CVE-2005-2214 in apt-setup
Summary
by MITRE
apt-setup in Debian GNU/Linux installs the apt.conf file with insecure permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2214 affects the apt-setup component within Debian GNU/Linux distributions, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines system security through improper file permission management. This issue specifically targets the installation process of the apt.conf configuration file, which serves as the primary configuration file for the Advanced Package Tool system responsible for package management operations across debian-based systems. The vulnerability stems from the fact that during the initial setup process, the apt.conf file is created with overly permissive access controls that allow any local user to read its contents, thereby exposing sensitive authentication credentials and system configuration details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the inadequate permission handling during the apt-setup execution phase where the system fails to properly secure the configuration file immediately after creation. The flaw manifests when the apt.conf file is generated with world-readable permissions, typically 0644 or similar insecure configurations, rather than the more appropriate restrictive permissions that should limit access to the root user and specific system processes only. This misconfiguration enables local privilege escalation scenarios where unprivileged users can directly access the file and extract sensitive information including but not limited to repository authentication credentials, proxy server passwords, and other confidential configuration parameters that are essential for maintaining system integrity and network security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to escalate privileges or compromise system integrity. When local users can access the apt.conf file, they gain visibility into repository configurations that may contain encrypted or plaintext passwords for authenticated package repositories, which could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to package sources or even to impersonate legitimate system administrators. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where apt-setup is used to configure package repositories that require authentication, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where package management security is paramount. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which explicitly addresses the improper assignment of permissions that allows unauthorized access to security-critical system resources.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1003.008: OS Credential Dumping - Security Account Manager and T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as local users can exploit the insecure file permissions to obtain credentials that may be used for further system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where the presence of unprivileged users increases the risk of credential exposure. Organizations using Debian-based systems that have not patched this vulnerability face potential compromise through credential theft, unauthorized package installations, and the ability to manipulate package repository configurations to redirect package downloads to malicious sources. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the package management setup process and highlights the importance of proper access control implementation during system configuration phases. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper file permission controls, and regular security auditing of configuration files to ensure that sensitive system information remains protected from unauthorized access.