CVE-2008-3357 in Ingres
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in ingvalidpw in Ingres 2.6, Ingres 2006 release 1 (aka 9.0.4), and Ingres 2006 release 2 (aka 9.1.0) on Linux and HP-UX allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted shared library, related to a "pointer overwrite vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2015
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3357 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting multiple versions of the Ingres database management system including versions 2.6, 9.0.4, and 9.1.0 across Linux and HP-UX platforms. This flaw resides within the ingvalidpw component of the database system, which is responsible for password validation processes. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of shared library loading sequences where the application does not properly validate or sanitize the library search path, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a pointer overwrite vulnerability that occurs during the dynamic loading of shared libraries. When the ingvalidpw utility executes, it searches for required shared libraries in a predetermined order that includes the current working directory. This search path behavior creates an attack surface where a local malicious user can place a specially crafted shared library named identically to one that the application expects to load. The pointer overwrite aspect of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate memory pointers, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code within the crafted library.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation from a regular user account to a higher privilege level, typically to the database administrator or root privileges depending on the system configuration. The attack requires local access to the system but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is not strictly controlled. The vulnerability affects systems running Ingres database versions that have not been patched, potentially compromising database integrity and confidentiality.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes "Untrusted Search Path" and is categorized under the broader class of privilege escalation vulnerabilities. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1548.001, "Abuse of Functionality," as attackers leverage legitimate database utility functions to achieve unauthorized privilege levels. The attack vector typically involves placing malicious libraries in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries, exploiting the trust relationship between the application and its library loading mechanism. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures, verify library search paths, and conduct security audits to identify systems running vulnerable Ingres versions. Additionally, privilege separation measures and monitoring of library loading activities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts.