CVE-2007-5714 in Mldonkey Ebuild
Summary
by MITRE
The Gentoo ebuild of MLDonkey before 2.9.0-r3 has a p2p user account with an empty default password and valid login shell, which might allow remote attackers to obtain login access and execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5714 affects the Gentoo ebuild implementation of MLDonkey software prior to version 2.9.0-r3. This represents a critical authentication flaw that stems from improper default configuration practices within the peer-to-peer file sharing application. The issue manifests through the creation of a dedicated user account that lacks any password protection while simultaneously maintaining a valid login shell, creating an exploitable entry point for unauthorized access.
The technical flaw resides in the default installation configuration where the system creates a p2p user account with minimal security controls. This account possesses an empty password field, which directly violates fundamental security principles for user account management. The presence of a valid login shell further compounds the vulnerability by providing an execution environment where malicious actors can operate once authenticated. The combination of these factors creates a pathway for remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely and gain system access. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and CWE-798, concerning the use of hardcoded credentials in software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential full system compromise. Attackers leveraging this weakness can execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete control over the machine. The p2p nature of MLDonkey means that the vulnerable system may be exposed to network traffic from multiple sources, increasing the attack surface and attack vectors available to malicious actors. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where MLDonkey is deployed in network environments without proper network segmentation or additional access controls, as the default configuration provides an open door for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5714 require immediate attention through software updates to version 2.9.0-r3 or later, which addresses the default password configuration issue. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all MLDonkey installations to identify affected systems and implement proper account management practices. The remediation process must include disabling or removing the vulnerable p2p user account entirely, setting strong passwords for any remaining accounts, and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar configuration flaws in other software components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure default configurations as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, emphasizing the need for proper user account management and access control policies.