CVE-2008-2359 in consolehelper
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of consolehelper in system-config-network before 1.5.10-1 on Fedora 8 lacks the USER=root directive, which allows local users of the workstation console to gain privileges and change the network configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2359 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within the consolehelper utility used in Fedora 8's system-config-network package. This flaw stems from an insecure default configuration that fails to properly restrict command execution permissions, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges and modify network settings. The consolehelper mechanism is designed to provide controlled access to administrative functions for non-root users, but in this case, the absence of proper user context enforcement creates a significant security gap.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the missing USER=root directive within the consolehelper configuration file. This directive is essential for ensuring that commands executed through consolehelper run with the appropriate root privileges and user context. Without this specification, the system defaults to executing commands with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, which in this scenario allows local users to manipulate network configurations that should be restricted to administrative access only. The flaw operates at the system configuration level rather than through code execution, making it particularly insidious as it leverages existing system mechanisms rather than introducing new attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential network disruption and system compromise. Local users who can access the workstation console can leverage this flaw to modify network configuration parameters, potentially redirecting traffic, disabling network services, or establishing unauthorized network connections. This capability could enable attackers to create backdoors, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or disrupt network communications within the local network segment. The vulnerability affects the entire Fedora 8 ecosystem where system-config-network is installed, representing a widespread security concern that could be exploited across multiple systems in an organization's network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve updating to system-config-network version 1.5.10-1 or later, which properly implements the USER=root directive in consolehelper configurations. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to ensure that all consolehelper configurations adhere to security best practices and that no other similar misconfigurations exist within the system. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege controls and monitoring network configuration changes can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and corresponds to techniques in the ATT&CK framework related to privilege escalation and defense evasion through configuration manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.