CVE-2007-1057 in Net Direct
Summary
by MITRE
The Net Direct client for Linux before 6.0.5 in Nortel Application Switch 2424, VPN 3050 and 3070, and SSL VPN Module 1000 extracts and executes files with insecure permissions, which allows local users to exploit a race condition to replace a world-writable file in /tmp/NetClient and cause another user to execute arbitrary code when attempting to execute this client, as demonstrated by replacing /tmp/NetClient/client.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1057 represents a critical security flaw in the Net Direct client implementation across multiple Nortel network appliances including the Application Switch 2424, VPN 3050 and 3070 devices, as well as the SSL VPN Module 1000. This issue stems from improper file handling during the client installation process where the application creates temporary files with insecure permissions that are subsequently executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Linux versions prior to 6.0.5, making it a significant concern for organizations operating legacy network infrastructure. The flaw manifests as a race condition vulnerability that exploits the insecure creation of world-writable files in the /tmp/NetClient directory, creating a window of opportunity for local attackers to manipulate the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a classic race condition attack pattern where malicious users can replace legitimate executable files with malicious counterparts before the system executes them. The Net Direct client creates files in the /tmp/NetClient directory with world-writable permissions, allowing any local user to modify these files. When another user attempts to execute the client, the system runs the attacker-controlled version instead of the legitimate one, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the target user. This particular implementation flaw violates fundamental security principles of file permission management and proper temporary file handling, creating a persistent backdoor for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-362, which describes race conditions that can lead to security issues, and CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1057 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure. Organizations running affected Nortel appliances become vulnerable to persistent attacks where local users can escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the network devices themselves. This creates a significant threat vector for both internal and external attackers who can leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The attack requires minimal privileges to execute successfully, as any local user can manipulate the world-writable files, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users may have legitimate access to the system but should not possess administrative capabilities. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the network infrastructure, as attackers can potentially modify network configurations or exfiltrate sensitive data through the compromised client.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected systems to version 6.0.5 or later, which addresses the insecure file permission handling and race condition issues. Organizations should also implement proper file permission controls on temporary directories and ensure that all temporary files created by network applications are properly secured with restrictive permissions. The implementation of mandatory access controls and privilege separation can help reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities by limiting the privileges of network client processes. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized modifications to critical system directories and temporary file structures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper software development practices and adherence to security standards, particularly in the context of network infrastructure where the compromise of a single device can have cascading effects throughout the entire network. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through race conditions, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial access is achieved.