CVE-2005-3118 in Mason
Summary
by MITRE
Mason before 1.0.0 does not install the init script after the user uses Mason to configure a firewall, which causes the system to run without a firewall after a reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3118 affects Mason firewall management software versions prior to 1.0.0, representing a critical configuration flaw that undermines system security posture. This issue stems from the software's failure to properly install or enable the necessary initialization script during the firewall configuration process, creating a persistent security gap that persists across system reboots. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of network security controls by leaving systems exposed to unauthorized access and potential attacks when the firewall is not actively enforcing security policies.
The technical flaw manifests in the software's installation and configuration workflow where the init script responsible for starting the firewall service is either not copied to the appropriate system directories or not properly registered with the system's service management framework. This failure creates a scenario where users believe the firewall is properly configured and active, while in reality the system operates without any firewall protection after a reboot cycle. The underlying issue reflects poor software design practices in system-level security tools where critical components required for continuous operation are not properly integrated into the system's boot process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk exposure for systems running affected versions of Mason software. Organizations may experience unauthorized network access, data breaches, and compliance violations as the firewall protection is effectively disabled after system restarts. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates silently without user awareness, meaning administrators may remain unaware of the security gap until an incident occurs. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-706, which describes the use of incorrect default initialization, and represents a classic example of incomplete installation or configuration that leaves systems vulnerable.
The security implications extend beyond immediate network exposure to encompass broader system integrity concerns, as this vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in software development practices. When security tools fail to properly implement their core functionality, they create false security postures that can lead to catastrophic consequences. The vulnerability also reflects issues related to privilege escalation and system configuration management, as the software should have ensured proper service registration and system integration during installation. This type of flaw is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where automated system management and consistent security policies are critical for maintaining organizational security standards.
Recommended mitigations include immediate upgrade to Mason version 1.0.0 or later where this issue has been resolved, manual verification of init script installation and service registration, and implementation of additional monitoring to detect when firewall services are not properly running. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of their security tool configurations to ensure that all critical security services are properly initialized and maintained across system restarts. The remediation process should include verification that the init script is properly installed in standard system directories and that the service is correctly registered with the system's service management framework to ensure persistent operation. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper software lifecycle management and security testing, particularly for system-level security tools that directly impact network protection capabilities.