CVE-2005-1855 in Backup Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Backup Manager (backup-manager) before 0.5.8 creates backup files with world-readable default permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1855 affects the Backup Manager utility, specifically versions prior to 05.8, where the software creates backup files with default permissions that are world-readable. This represents a critical security flaw in the system's file permission handling mechanism, allowing unauthorized local users to access sensitive data that should remain protected. The issue stems from the software's failure to properly enforce restrictive file permissions during the backup creation process, creating an avenue for information disclosure that directly violates fundamental security principles of data protection and access control.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the backup manager's default file creation behavior where it does not explicitly set restrictive permissions on backup files. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-732, which addresses improper permission settings on critical resources, and aligns with the broader category of inadequate access control mechanisms. The software's design does not account for the security implications of default file permissions, particularly when dealing with sensitive backup data that may contain confidential information such as database contents, system configurations, or user credentials. This represents a classic case of privilege escalation through information disclosure, where local users can exploit the system's weak permission model to gain unauthorized access to potentially valuable data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any system running affected versions of the backup manager. Local users who can execute the backup utility or have access to the backup directory can easily read backup files and extract sensitive information without requiring additional authentication or elevated privileges. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious users, insider threats, or compromised accounts within the system. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where backup files contain system configuration data, user credentials, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to expand their foothold within a network. The information disclosure could lead to system compromise, data breaches, or facilitate more sophisticated attacks that require knowledge of system internals.
The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Backup Manager version 0.5.8 or later, which addresses the permission handling flaw through proper implementation of restrictive file permissions. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of existing backup files to identify and remediate any sensitive information that may have been exposed through this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file permission controls, using encrypted backup storage, and establishing regular monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for backup operations, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to backup creation and restoration functions. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper permission management in system utilities, as outlined in the mitre attack framework under the data exposure and privilege escalation techniques, where attackers can leverage weak access controls to obtain sensitive information that should remain protected.