CVE-2007-2075 in ScramDisk 4 Linux
Summary
by MITRE
ScramDisk 4 Linux before 1.0-1 does not perform permission checks on mount points, which allows local users to gain privileges by using a system directory as a mount point for a container.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2075 resides within ScramDisk 4 Linux versions prior to 1.0-1, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits inadequate permission validation mechanisms. This issue manifests when the software fails to properly verify access controls on mount points, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their system privileges through malicious use of system directories as container mount points. The vulnerability fundamentally undermines the security model of the system by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical flaw operates through a direct violation of access control principles where ScramDisk 4 Linux does not validate whether a user has appropriate permissions to mount filesystem containers on specific directories. When a local user creates a mount point using a system directory such as /tmp, /var, or other critical locations, the application accepts this configuration without verifying the user's authority to perform such operations. This design oversight creates a privilege escalation vector where attackers can manipulate the system's filesystem hierarchy to gain elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries that normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity threats. Local users who exploit this weakness can effectively gain root or administrative privileges, enabling them to modify system files, install malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the compromised system. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where ScramDisk 4 Linux is installed and used, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active until the software is properly updated or patched. This flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and access control enforcement that aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting local accounts to gain elevated system privileges. The exploitation process requires minimal technical sophistication but can yield maximum impact, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture rather than a configuration issue, meaning that proper system hardening alone cannot prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's persistence in older versions of ScramDisk 4 Linux demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and the dangers of running legacy applications with known security flaws. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including software updates, access restriction policies, and monitoring for unauthorized mount point creation activities to prevent exploitation of this privilege escalation vulnerability.
The remediation approach for CVE-2007-2075 requires updating ScramDisk 4 Linux to version 1.0-1 or later, which includes proper permission checking mechanisms for mount points. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and monitoring procedures to detect suspicious mount point usage patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation in security software and demonstrates how seemingly simple flaws can lead to significant system compromise. This issue serves as a reminder of the necessity for comprehensive security testing and validation of all system components, particularly those that interact with core system resources and filesystem operations.