CVE-2008-0732 in Geronimo
Summary
by MITRE
The init script for Apache Geronimo on SUSE Linux follows symlinks when performing a chown operation, which might allow local users to obtain access to unspecified files or directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0732 resides within the init script implementation of Apache Geronimo running on SUSE Linux systems. This flaw represents a classic security issue involving improper privilege handling during system initialization processes. The core problem manifests when the init script executes a chown operation that follows symbolic links, creating potential pathways for local privilege escalation and unauthorized file access. The vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly validate or restrict symlink traversal during ownership changes, which can be exploited by malicious local users to manipulate file permissions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
This technical flaw directly relates to CWE-59, which categorizes improper handling of symbolic links in file operations, and specifically demonstrates how symlink traversal can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access violations, as it can enable attackers to manipulate critical system files or directories that should remain protected. When the init script processes symlinks during chown operations, it may inadvertently change ownership of files that are not intended to be modified by the current user context, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or access to restricted resources. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it operates during system initialization, when processes typically run with elevated privileges, making the potential impact more significant.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of local privilege escalation through improper file permissions and ownership changes. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive files or directories, then triggering the vulnerable init script to perform chown operations that transfer ownership to their controlled accounts. This attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level during boot processes, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or manipulate critical system components. The vulnerability also intersects with T1543, which covers the modification of system processes and services, as it affects how the system initializes and manages service ownership.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on modifying the init script to implement proper symlink handling through the use of the -P flag with chown operations or by explicitly checking for symbolic links before performing ownership changes. System administrators should ensure that all init scripts properly validate file paths and avoid following symlinks during privilege operations. The recommended approach includes implementing a secure chown implementation that explicitly handles symbolic links by either dereferencing them safely or refusing to process them entirely. Additionally, regular system audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other init scripts and system processes. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect vulnerable symlink handling patterns in system scripts and provide alerts for potential privilege escalation vectors.