CVE-2005-1379 in lam-runtime-7.0.6-2mdk)
Summary
by MITRE
the lam runtime environment package (lam-runtime-7.0.6-2mdk) on mandrake linux installs the mpi user without a password which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1379 pertains to the lam runtime environment package version 7.0.6-2mdk distributed with Mandrake Linux. This security flaw represents a critical privilege escalation issue that stems from improper user account configuration within the MPI (Message Passing Interface) runtime environment. The lam runtime environment is designed to facilitate distributed computing applications by providing a standardized interface for message passing between processes running on different nodes. The vulnerability specifically affects the installation process where the mpi user account is created without a password, creating an inherent security weakness that local attackers can exploit to gain elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper system administration practices during package installation. When the lam-runtime package is installed on Mandrake Linux, it creates a dedicated mpi user account that is intended to run MPI applications with minimal privileges. However, the installation script fails to properly configure this account with a secure password, leaving it essentially passwordless. This design flaw directly violates security best practices and creates an attack surface that allows any local user to assume the identity of the mpi user through simple login mechanisms. The absence of password protection on this account means that authentication is bypassed entirely, enabling unauthorized access to the system with the privileges associated with the mpi user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the mpi user account typically possesses specific permissions required for distributed computing operations. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially execute MPI applications with elevated privileges, access shared computing resources, or manipulate distributed computing environments. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to perform actions that would normally require administrative access, including modifying system files, accessing sensitive data, or disrupting distributed computing processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple users share the same system, as it provides a consistent method for gaining unauthorized access to the system's distributed computing capabilities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials that are not properly managed or configured. The flaw represents a classic case of weak credential management where the system fails to properly establish authentication boundaries for privileged accounts. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how local users can leverage system misconfigurations to gain elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly straightforward since it requires no external network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it a high-impact vulnerability that can be readily exploited by any local user with basic system access. Organizations running systems with this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including proper password configuration for the mpi user account, account lockout policies, and regular security audits to identify similar misconfigurations.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate attention through proper system administration practices. System administrators must ensure that all service accounts, particularly those used for distributed computing environments, are properly configured with strong passwords and appropriate access controls. The lam-runtime package installation should be reviewed to ensure that all user accounts are created with secure authentication mechanisms. Additionally, implementing automated security scanning tools can help identify similar misconfigurations across the system landscape. Regular security assessments and compliance monitoring should be established to prevent similar issues from arising in future software installations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper account management and privilege separation in maintaining system security, particularly for specialized computing environments that require elevated system access for their legitimate operations.