CVE-2006-6382 in H-Sphere
Summary
by MITRE
The control panel for Positive Software H-Sphere before 2.5.0 RC3 creates log files in a user s directory with insecure permissions, which allows local users to append log data to arbitrary files via a symlink attack. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6382 affects the Positive Software H-Sphere control panel version 2.5.0 RC2 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in the system's logging mechanism that could be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This issue stems from the improper handling of log file creation processes within the control panel's architecture, where log files are generated in user directories with inadequate permission settings that create opportunities for malicious exploitation through symbolic link manipulation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests when the control panel creates log files in user directories without properly validating the existence of these files or ensuring their secure creation process. The insecure permissions assigned to these log files allow local users to manipulate the logging mechanism by creating symbolic links that point to arbitrary system files, enabling them to append log data to files they would normally not have write access to. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-772, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and specifically relates to CWE-276, concerning insecure file permissions that create opportunities for privilege escalation. The attack vector involves a classic symlink race condition where an attacker can exploit the timing window between file creation and permission setting to redirect log data to sensitive system locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides local attackers with a mechanism to potentially corrupt system logs, inject malicious data into critical files, or even manipulate the control panel's operational behavior. This represents a significant threat to system integrity and auditability, as the attacker can effectively bypass normal file access controls and potentially gain persistent access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple users share the same system, as it could enable attackers to compromise other users' data or system processes. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, as it could serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks involving log manipulation or privilege escalation.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to potential data integrity breaches and system compromise, as attackers could use this technique to modify critical system files or inject malicious content into the logging infrastructure itself. The lack of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in the control panel's implementation creates a persistent threat that remains exploitable until the affected software is properly updated or patched. Organizations utilizing Positive Software H-Sphere should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to version 2.5.0 RC3 or later, reviewing existing log file permissions, and implementing proper file access controls to prevent symlink-based attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure file handling practices and proper permission management in system components that process user-generated data, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of file creation processes in control panel applications.