CVE-2005-4788 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
resmgr in SUSE Linux 9.2 and 9.3, and possibly other distributions, allows local users to bypass access control rules for USB devices via "alternate syntax for specifying USB devices."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4788 resides within the resource manager component of SUSE Linux versions 9.2 and 9.3, representing a significant access control bypass issue that affects USB device management. This flaw enables local attackers to circumvent established security policies governing USB device access through the exploitation of alternate syntax mechanisms for USB device specification. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of device specification parameters within the resource management framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized device access that was not accounted for in the original access control implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of USB device specification syntax within the resource manager's configuration or execution context. When users provide USB device identifiers using alternate formatting conventions, the system fails to properly validate these inputs against established access control rules. This validation gap allows malicious users to specify USB devices in ways that bypass the intended security controls, effectively granting access to devices that should otherwise be restricted. The flaw specifically manifests in how the system processes device identification strings and translates them into access control decisions, creating a discrepancy between expected and actual device access behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of USB device access controls within the operating system. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability gain the ability to access USB devices that are restricted by policy, potentially leading to data exfiltration, malicious software deployment, or system compromise through unauthorized hardware access. This weakness particularly affects environments where USB device restrictions are critical for security, such as in corporate networks, government systems, or any scenario where unauthorized USB device access could result in significant security breaches. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple SUSE Linux releases indicates a systemic issue in the resource management implementation that requires comprehensive remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation for USB device specifications within the resource manager component. System administrators should apply the latest security patches provided by SUSE to address the specific validation flaws in the USB device handling mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional access control layers that can detect and prevent unusual device specification patterns, while also monitoring for suspicious USB device access attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all alternate syntax forms for USB device specification are properly validated against access control policies, aligning with the principles of least privilege and secure configuration management. This vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and the potential consequences of incomplete access control implementation in system resource managers.