CVE-2007-4394 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in a "core clean" cron job created by the findutils-locate package on SUSE Linux 10.0 and 10.1 and Enterprise Server 9 and 10 before 20070810 allows local users to delete of arbitrary files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4394 represents a critical security flaw within the findutils-locate package implementation on SUSE Linux systems. This issue specifically affects the "core clean" cron job functionality that is part of the locate package's maintenance operations. The vulnerability manifests in SUSE Linux 10.0 and 10.1 desktop editions as well as Enterprise Server 9 and 10 versions, creating a persistent security risk that remained unpatched until the 20070810 security update release. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests a complex interaction between multiple system components that enables unauthorized file deletion operations.
The technical flaw lies within the improper handling of file operations during the automated cleanup process executed by the cron job. This vulnerability operates at the privilege level of the system's maintenance processes, allowing local users to exploit the core clean functionality to delete arbitrary files from the system. The attack vector likely involves manipulation of the cron job's execution environment or parameters that control file deletion operations, potentially through symbolic link manipulation, path traversal, or command injection techniques. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Command Injection categories, as it involves the manipulation of system paths and execution contexts that lead to unintended file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for system administrators and security operations teams. Local users who can access the system can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized file deletion, potentially compromising system integrity, availability, and confidentiality. The vulnerability enables attackers to target critical system files, configuration files, or user data, creating potential for system instability, data loss, or further privilege escalation. Given that this affects the core locate package functionality, the attack surface includes all systems where locate is installed and configured with the vulnerable cron job implementation, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems with the security update released on 20070810. System administrators should verify that the locate package has been properly updated and that the core clean cron job operates with appropriate permissions and file validation. Additional protective measures include restricting access to the locate command and its cron jobs, implementing proper file system permissions, and monitoring for unauthorized file deletion activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and input validation in system maintenance processes, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts. Organizations should conduct thorough system audits to identify any remaining vulnerable installations and ensure that cron jobs are properly secured against manipulation by local users.