CVE-2006-3693 in Clusters
Summary
by MITRE
Rocks Clusters 4.1 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges via commands enclosed with escaped backticks (\`) in an argument to the (1) mount-loop (mount-loop.c) or (2) umount-loop (umount-loop.c) command, which is not filtered in a system function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3693 resides within Rocks Clusters version 4.1 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This issue manifests specifically in the mount-loop and umount-loop command implementations where the software fails to properly sanitize user inputs containing escaped backticks. The vulnerability operates at the core of command execution mechanisms within cluster management software, creating a pathway for malicious local users to bypass normal security restrictions and execute unauthorized operations.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the system function calls used by these cluster management utilities. When users provide arguments containing escaped backticks to either mount-loop or umount-loop commands, the software passes these arguments directly to system calls without proper filtering or escaping. This oversight creates a command injection vulnerability where the shell interprets the escaped backticks as command substitution operators, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 as improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, specifically manifesting as shell injection through inadequate input sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire cluster environments. Local users who can execute these commands gain the ability to perform arbitrary system operations, including but not limited to reading sensitive files, modifying system configurations, installing malicious software, or even escalating to root privileges. In cluster computing environments where multiple users may have local access, this vulnerability presents a significant risk of unauthorized system compromise and data breaches. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system commands that are typically trusted and executed with elevated privileges, making detection more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Rocks Clusters software to version 4.2 or later where the input sanitization issues have been addressed. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all system command invocations, particularly those involving user-supplied arguments. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that cluster management utilities run with minimal required privileges rather than elevated permissions. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits of all cluster management tools to identify similar input validation flaws. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, highlighting the importance of proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of cluster environments to prevent similar issues from emerging in other components of the system infrastructure.