CVE-2008-2366 in OpenOffice
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in a certain Red Hat build script for OpenOffice.org (OOo) 1.1.x on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3 and 4 allows local users to gain privileges via a malicious library in the current working directory, related to incorrect quoting of the ORIGIN symbol for use in the RPATH library path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2366 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 3 and 4 systems running OpenOffice.org 1.1.x. This flaw exists within a specific build script that handles the RPATH library path configuration, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector for local attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the ORIGIN symbol within the RPATH mechanism, which is a fundamental component of Unix-like system security models for managing dynamic library loading. The ORIGIN symbol is designed to reference the directory containing the executable, but incorrect quoting in the build script causes the system to interpret this symbol incorrectly, leading to potential library injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local user places a malicious library file in the current working directory from which the vulnerable OpenOffice.org process is executed. This attack leverages the inherent trust placed in the RPATH mechanism, where the system searches for libraries in the specified paths in a predetermined order. When the ORIGIN symbol is improperly quoted, the build script fails to correctly resolve the intended library paths, causing the system to inadvertently include the current working directory in the library search path. This creates an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, as the system will load the malicious library instead of the legitimate one. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path conditions where programs search for libraries in untrusted directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who can execute the vulnerable build script gain the ability to elevate their privileges to those of the target process, typically running with elevated permissions due to OpenOffice.org's system integration requirements. Attackers can leverage this to access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be executed without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1546, which addresses the modification of system processes through library loading mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense to address both the immediate security issue and prevent similar flaws in future software deployments. The primary remediation involves patching the vulnerable build script to properly quote the ORIGIN symbol, ensuring that RPATH paths are correctly resolved without including the current working directory. System administrators should immediately apply the vendor patches released for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and 4, which correct the improper quoting mechanism in the OpenOffice.org build process. Additionally, implementing proper privilege separation and limiting the execution of build scripts with elevated permissions can reduce the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that build processes run with minimal required permissions and that the current working directory is not included in library search paths. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar untrusted search path vulnerabilities in their software supply chains, as this type of flaw has been consistently identified in various software packages and operating systems, making it a persistent concern in system security management practices.