CVE-2008-2517 in sarab
Summary
by MITRE
The sarab.sh script in SaraB before 0.2.4 places the dar program s encryption key on the command line, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing the process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2517 affects the SaraB backup utility version 0.2.3 and earlier, specifically within the sarab.sh script component. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes encryption keys through process enumeration techniques, creating significant risks for data confidentiality. The issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive cryptographic parameters during command execution, where the encryption key for the dar program is passed directly as a command line argument rather than through secure methods such as environment variables or stdin. This design flaw aligns with CWE-256, which addresses the exposure of cleartext passwords, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for credential management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the sarab.sh script invokes the dar program with encryption keys embedded in the command line arguments. When local users execute ps or similar process listing utilities, they can observe these command line parameters and extract the encryption key, thereby compromising the entire backup system. This exposure occurs because the dar program's encryption key is passed as a command line argument rather than being handled through secure channels, making it visible to any user with process enumeration privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper input validation and secure credential handling mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for systems that rely on SaraB for backup operations, particularly in multi-user environments where process visibility is not restricted. Attackers with local access can easily extract encryption keys and subsequently decrypt backup files, potentially gaining access to sensitive data that was intended to be protected through encryption. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it allows for complete compromise of backup data integrity and confidentiality. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system, and T1552, which addresses credentials in files, demonstrating how command line exposure can lead to credential compromise.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2517 involve immediate upgrading to SaraB version 0.2.4 or later, which addresses the issue through proper key handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement process monitoring to detect unauthorized command line argument exposure and ensure that all cryptographic keys are passed through secure channels. System administrators should review and restrict process visibility where possible, particularly in shared environments. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and credential management practices, including the use of environment variables or secure stdin handling for cryptographic parameters, will prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. The fix should also include validation of command line arguments and proper separation of concerns between script execution and credential handling to prevent future regressions in security posture.