CVE-2007-6167 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in yast2-core in SUSE Linux might allow local users to execute arbitrary code by creating a malicious yast2 module in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6167 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the yast2-core component of SUSE Linux operating systems. This flaw resides in the system's module loading mechanism where the yast2 framework fails to properly validate the source and integrity of modules being loaded into the system. The vulnerability specifically affects the yast2-core package which serves as the foundation for the SUSE YaST configuration tool suite that administrators rely upon for system management and configuration tasks. When yast2 processes modules, it searches through predetermined directories including the current working directory without sufficient validation of module authenticity or source origin. This behavior creates a dangerous condition where local attackers can manipulate the module loading process by placing malicious modules in directories that are searched before system-authorized locations, effectively enabling privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure module loading practices within the yast2 framework's architecture. The flaw manifests when a local user creates a malicious yast2 module file in the current working directory and subsequently executes a yast2 command or application that loads modules from the search path. The system's module loader processes the malicious module before any legitimate system modules, allowing the attacker's code to execute with the privileges of the user running the yast2 application. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element which describes situations where applications search for files in directories specified by environment variables or hard-coded paths without proper validation. The insecure search path allows attackers to inject malicious code that will be executed when the system attempts to load the module, creating a persistent backdoor or execution channel within the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require special privileges to exploit initially, making it accessible to any local user who can manipulate the working directory.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6167 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and persistent access. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running yast2, which could range from standard user accounts to administrative accounts if the application is run with elevated permissions. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate system tools and processes, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access without raising immediate security alerts. Attackers can use this vulnerability to install additional malware, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or create backdoors that maintain access even after system reboots. The vulnerability affects systems running SUSE Linux distributions where yast2-core is installed, and the impact is significant because yast2 is a core system management tool that administrators frequently use for routine maintenance and configuration tasks, making it a high-value target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6167 require both immediate system hardening and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the affected yast2-core package to implement proper module validation and secure search path handling. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions on directories where yast2 modules are loaded, ensuring that only authorized users can write to these locations. The implementation of proper module signing and verification mechanisms would prevent unauthorized modules from being executed, aligning with security best practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime monitoring and integrity checking for system management tools to detect unauthorized module loading attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code, and T1546 Event Triggered Execution which describes how attackers can manipulate system processes to load malicious components. Regular security audits should verify that search paths are properly configured and that no unnecessary write permissions exist on system module directories, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege management in system administration tools.