CVE-2007-6418 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The libdspam7-drv-mysql cron job in Debian GNU/Linux includes the MySQL dspam database password in a command line argument, which might allow local users to read the password by listing the process and its arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6418 resides within the libdspam7-drv-mysql package distributed through Debian GNU/Linux systems. This flaw specifically impacts the cron job component responsible for database operations within the dspam email spam detection system. The issue manifests when the MySQL database password is passed as a command line argument to the cron job process rather than being handled through secure configuration files or environment variables. This design decision creates a significant security exposure that directly violates fundamental principles of secure coding practices and privilege management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive credentials within the command execution context. When the cron job executes, the MySQL password becomes visible in the process list through standard system monitoring tools such as ps, top, or similar process inspection utilities. This exposure occurs because command line arguments are typically accessible to all processes running under the same user context, making the password trivially discoverable by any local user with appropriate privileges. The vulnerability represents a classic case of credential exposure in cleartext within process arguments, which aligns with CWE-256 and CWE-542 classifications related to insecure credential storage and exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential disclosure, as it provides local attackers with the ability to authenticate to the MySQL database with full privileges. This access could enable unauthorized data manipulation, including the ability to modify spam detection rules, access email content, or potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. Attackers could leverage this information to compromise the integrity of the spam detection system, potentially allowing spam messages to bypass detection or legitimate emails to be incorrectly flagged. The vulnerability affects systems where the dspam service operates with elevated privileges and where local users might have access to process monitoring capabilities, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable cron job exists.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves modifying the cron job implementation to remove password arguments from command line execution by utilizing configuration files with restricted permissions or environment variables that are not exposed in process listings. System administrators should implement proper file permissions using chmod 600 or similar restrictions on any configuration files containing database credentials. Additionally, the system should enforce principle of least privilege by ensuring that the cron job runs with minimal required permissions and that database connections utilize connection pooling or other mechanisms that avoid passing credentials through command line arguments. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following the principle of least privilege and secure credential management practices as outlined in various security frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards. The fix should also include monitoring for similar patterns in other system components and implementing centralized credential management solutions that prevent cleartext credential exposure in process arguments.