CVE-2006-3878 in Network Automation System
Summary
by MITRE
Opsware Network Automation System (NAS) 6.0 installs /etc/init.d/mysql with insecure permissions, which allows local users to read the root password for the MySQL MAX database or gain privileges by modifying /etc/init.d/mysql.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The Opsware Network Automation System NAS 6.0 contains a critical privilege escalation vulnerability through insecure file permissions that directly impacts database security and system integrity. This vulnerability specifically affects the MySQL MAX database installation process where the system creates the /etc/init.d/mysql initialization script with overly permissive access controls. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure system configuration practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission settings can create significant security risks for enterprise automation platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper assignment of file permissions during the Opsware NAS 6.0 installation process. When the system creates the /etc/init.d/mysql script, it fails to properly restrict access permissions, allowing local users to either read the root password for the MySQL MAX database or modify the script itself to gain elevated privileges. This configuration error places sensitive authentication credentials within reach of any local user account, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the database system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment where security-critical files are accessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure information. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain root-level access to the MySQL database system, potentially enabling them to extract confidential data, modify database contents, or establish persistent access points within the network automation environment. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise settings where Opsware NAS systems are used to manage critical network infrastructure, as it provides attackers with direct access to database credentials that could be used to compromise additional systems within the network. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system configuration weaknesses.
Organizations using Opsware NAS 6.0 should immediately implement immediate remediation measures including correcting file permissions on the /etc/init.d/mysql script to restrict access to authorized users only, typically requiring root-only execution permissions. The system should be configured with proper ownership settings where the script is owned by root and accessible only to privileged users. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no other system initialization scripts contain similar permission vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive system hardening procedures that follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that all system files and scripts are configured with appropriate access controls to prevent unauthorized modification or reading of sensitive information. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file permission management in security-critical systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of system configurations.