CVE-2005-1177 in Webmin
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in (1) Webmin and (2) Usermin before 1.200 causes Webmin to change permissions and ownership of configuration files, with unknown impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1177 represents a critical security flaw affecting both Webmin and Usermin software versions prior to 1.200. This issue stems from inadequate permission handling mechanisms within the configuration management systems of these web-based administration tools. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized modification of file permissions and ownership settings, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity and security posture. The unspecified impact of this vulnerability makes it particularly concerning as administrators cannot fully assess the potential damage that may result from exploitation.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests in the way Webmin and Usermin handle configuration file management during routine operations. When these applications process configuration changes, they fail to properly validate or restrict permission modifications, enabling malicious actors to manipulate file access controls. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which categorizes improper file permissions as a common weakness in software security implementations. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of privilege management and file system access control, where proper access control mechanisms are not adequately enforced during configuration updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission changes, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the affected systems. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges by modifying critical configuration files, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, or disrupting normal operational procedures. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where Webmin and Usermin are used for administrative tasks, as these tools typically require elevated privileges to function properly. The potential for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these tools are commonly deployed.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Webmin and Usermin versions 1.200 or later, which contain patches addressing the permission handling flaw. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of configuration file permissions and ownership settings to detect any unauthorized changes that may have occurred. The remediation process should include implementing proper access control lists and monitoring mechanisms to detect suspicious permission modifications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and highlights the risks associated with legacy systems that may contain unpatched security flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces and reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities.
The broader implications of CVE-2005-1177 align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how configuration management flaws can create persistent security weaknesses that attackers can leverage for long-term system compromise. The issue underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of administrative tools and the importance of maintaining robust security practices throughout the software lifecycle. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other system components.