CVE-2006-6474 in VirusScan
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in McAfee VirusScan for Linux 4510e and earlier includes the current working directory in the DT_RPATH environment variable, which allows local users to load arbitrary ELF DSO libraries and execute arbitrary code by installing malicious libraries in that directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
This vulnerability resides in the dynamic linking mechanism of McAfee VirusScan for Linux versions 4510e and earlier, where the software incorrectly incorporates the current working directory into the DT_RPATH environment variable during runtime. The DT_RPATH is a dynamic section entry that specifies directories to search for shared libraries when an executable is loaded, and when this includes the current working directory without proper sanitization, it creates a dangerous privilege escalation vector. This flaw directly maps to CWE-428, which describes an untrusted search path vulnerability where a program searches for libraries in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability allows local users to execute arbitrary code by simply placing malicious ELF shared object libraries in the current working directory from which the vulnerable application is executed, effectively bypassing normal security controls and privilege boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker identifies a process running with elevated privileges or a setuid binary that utilizes the vulnerable McAfee VirusScan components. When such a process executes and encounters a dynamic library dependency, the system searches through the directories specified in DT_RPATH in order, including the current working directory. If an attacker can control the contents of this directory, they can place a malicious shared library with the same name as a legitimate library that the vulnerable application depends upon. Upon execution, the system loads the attacker-controlled library instead of the legitimate one, allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the vulnerable process. This attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of dynamic link library loading mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it transforms a local user account into a potential vector for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the context of vulnerable processes. This creates a pathway for attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise if the vulnerable process runs with administrative rights. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level through dynamic linking mechanisms and can be exploited without requiring network access or complex attack chains. Organizations running affected versions of McAfee VirusScan for Linux are exposed to persistent threats where local attackers can leverage this flaw to maintain access and escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects not just the McAfee application itself but any process that depends on the affected library components, potentially creating a wide attack surface. The exploitation is straightforward and reliable, making it a preferred target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable McAfee VirusScan versions to address the DT_RPATH handling issue. Organizations should also implement proper library path sanitization practices, ensuring that applications do not include the current working directory in their library search paths. System administrators should regularly audit library dependencies and verify that dynamic linking is performed through secure, non-user-controllable paths. The implementation of privilege separation mechanisms and the use of secure coding practices that avoid untrusted search paths should be enforced across all system components. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious library loading patterns and implementing automated vulnerability scanning can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system directories where shared libraries are loaded from. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure dynamic linking practices and proper environment variable handling in system security design, aligning with security best practices outlined in various compliance frameworks and security standards.