CVE-2007-1743 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
suexec in Apache HTTP Server (httpd) 2.2.3 does not verify combinations of user and group IDs on the command line, which might allow local users to leverage other vulnerabilities to create arbitrary UID/GID owned files if /proc is mounted. NOTE: the researcher, who is reliable, claims that the vendor disputes the issue because "the attacks described rely on an insecure server configuration" in which the user "has write access to the document root." In addition, because this is dependent on other vulnerabilities, perhaps this is resultant and should not be included in CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1743 affects the suexec module within Apache HTTP Server version 2.2.3, representing a critical security flaw that could enable local privilege escalation under specific conditions. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user and group ID combinations within the suexec command line parameters, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to exploit existing system weaknesses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of Apache's user switching mechanism, which is designed to allow web servers to execute scripts under different user privileges than the web server process itself.
The technical flaw manifests when the suexec module fails to properly validate the combination of user and group identifiers passed through command line arguments. This validation gap becomes exploitable when the /proc filesystem is mounted and accessible to the compromised user, allowing attackers to manipulate process information and potentially create files owned by arbitrary user IDs. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation, creating a scenario where legitimate system functionality could be subverted for malicious purposes. This weakness directly relates to CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, particularly focusing on insufficient privilege management during user switching operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. When combined with other vulnerabilities that provide write access to the document root or other critical system directories, attackers can leverage this flaw to create persistent backdoors or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The dependency on other vulnerabilities means that this issue may not be immediately exploitable in secure configurations, but it significantly increases the attack surface when combined with misconfigurations or additional weaknesses. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain that could lead to complete system compromise, particularly in environments where multiple security controls are not properly implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1743 should focus on addressing the underlying configuration issues that make the vulnerability exploitable. System administrators must ensure that document root directories do not provide unnecessary write access to web server processes, and that the /proc filesystem is properly secured to prevent unauthorized access to process information. The recommended approach includes implementing strict access controls, regularly auditing system configurations, and ensuring that Apache suexec is properly configured with appropriate validation checks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as mandatory access controls, regular security assessments, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper privilege management and the need for comprehensive security configurations that address multiple attack vectors simultaneously. The issue highlights the critical relationship between system configuration and security vulnerabilities, as the vendor's assertion that the problem depends on insecure server configurations underscores the importance of maintaining proper security hygiene throughout the entire system infrastructure.