CVE-2005-3580 in qdbm
Summary
by MITRE
qdbm before 1.8.33-r2 allows local users in the portage group to increase privileges via a shared object in the portage temporary build directory which is added to the search path allowing objects in it to be loaded at runtime.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3580 affects the qdbm database management system version 1.8.33 and earlier, presenting a significant privilege escalation risk for local users within the portage group. This issue stems from improper handling of shared object loading within the portage temporary build directory, creating a dangerous environment where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets systems using the portage package management system, which is commonly found in Gentoo Linux distributions and similar systems that rely on portage for software compilation and installation.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure search path mechanism that allows shared objects located in the portage temporary build directory to be loaded at runtime without proper validation or security checks. When qdbm processes files in this directory, it does not properly sanitize the library search path, enabling attackers to place malicious shared libraries that will be automatically loaded by the application. This behavior aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic libraries, and represents a classic case of a privilege escalation vulnerability where a local user can leverage their group membership to gain elevated system access. The flaw essentially creates a trusted path manipulation scenario where the application loads libraries from locations that can be controlled by users with specific group permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the qdbm process, which typically runs with elevated permissions during package building operations. This means that a local user in the portage group can potentially gain root access or at least execute commands with the highest privileges available to the build environment. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond placing files in the designated temporary directory, making it a low-effort, high-impact exploit. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the use of compromised credentials or system vulnerabilities, and specifically relates to the use of dynamic link library injection.
The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the qdbm application handles dynamic library loading and path resolution, particularly within the context of package building environments where temporary directories are used for compilation activities. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the portage group typically has write access to these temporary directories, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by users who may not have direct system access but possess the necessary group membership. System administrators should consider implementing stricter controls over temporary directory permissions and ensure that applications do not automatically load libraries from user-controllable paths. The recommended mitigation includes updating to qdbm version 1.8.33-r2 or later, which addresses the insecure library loading mechanism, and implementing additional security measures such as enforcing secure library loading practices and monitoring for suspicious activity in temporary directories. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for group memberships and ensuring that build environments are properly isolated from other system components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other applications.