CVE-2007-3945 in Rule Set Based Access Control
Summary
by MITRE
Rule Set Based Access Control (RSBAC) before 1.3.5 does not properly use the Linux Kernel Crypto API for the Linux kernel 2.6.x, which allows context-dependent attackers to bypass authentication controls via unspecified vectors, possibly involving User Management password hashing and unchecked function return codes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3945 affects Rule Set Based Access Control (RSBAC) implementations prior to version 1.3.5, specifically within the Linux kernel 2.6.x environment. This represents a critical security flaw in the kernel's cryptographic subsystem where the RSBAC module fails to properly integrate with the Linux Kernel Crypto API. The issue stems from improper handling of cryptographic operations that are essential for maintaining secure access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in the way RSBAC manages cryptographic functions during user authentication processes, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system security.
The technical flaw manifests in the inadequate implementation of the Linux Kernel Crypto API within the RSBAC framework, where the system fails to properly validate or utilize cryptographic functions for password hashing and user management operations. This improper integration leads to situations where function return codes are not adequately checked, allowing for unchecked error conditions that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning that attackers can potentially bypass authentication controls through unspecified vectors that leverage the flawed cryptographic implementation. The lack of proper cryptographic handling during user authentication processes creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate or bypass access control mechanisms that should otherwise protect system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypasses, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of the access control system within Linux environments using RSBAC. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to protected system resources, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and complete system compromise. The unspecified vectors involved in the attack suggest that multiple exploitation paths may exist, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged through various attack scenarios. This weakness in the cryptographic implementation directly affects the security posture of systems relying on RSBAC for access control management, particularly in environments where user authentication and authorization are critical components of the security infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in software implementations, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1552, focusing on credentials access through manipulation of system processes. Organizations using RSBAC versions prior to 1.3.5 should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched version, reviewing cryptographic implementations for proper error handling, and conducting security assessments of authentication mechanisms. The fix typically involves ensuring proper integration with the Linux Kernel Crypto API, implementing comprehensive return code validation for cryptographic functions, and strengthening the overall cryptographic framework within the RSBAC module. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and consider implementing additional security controls to compensate for the vulnerability while awaiting the full deployment of patches.