CVE-2008-4865 in valgrind
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in valgrind before 3.4.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary programs via a Trojan horse .valgrindrc file in the current working directory, as demonstrated using a malicious --db-command options. NOTE: the severity of this issue has been disputed, but CVE is including this issue because execution of a program from an untrusted directory is a common scenario.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4865 represents a classic untrusted search path issue that affects the valgrind memory debugging tool version 3.3.0 and earlier. This flaw resides in how valgrind processes configuration files, specifically the .valgrindrc file that is typically located in the user's home directory. However, the vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by placing a malicious .valgrindrc file in the current working directory from which valgrind is executed. The attack vector exploits the order of file resolution where valgrind first checks the current working directory before examining the user's home directory, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through path traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of configuration file paths within valgrind's execution environment. When valgrind starts and encounters command line options such as --db-command that specify external programs to execute, it fails to validate or sanitize the paths in the configuration file. This behavior creates a dangerous precedent where user-controlled input from a configuration file can directly influence which programs execute on the system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when valgrind processes the .valgrindrc file in the current directory, which can contain malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the user running valgrind. This flaw aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and CWE-78, which addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who can write to directories where valgrind is executed can gain unauthorized access to system resources through the execution of malicious code. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed in environments where valgrind is commonly used for debugging and system administration tasks. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user systems or development environments where multiple users share the same system resources. The severity assessment has been disputed by some security researchers, but the vulnerability remains significant because it demonstrates how simple path resolution issues can create substantial security risks. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation techniques, and T1548.001, which addresses abuse of system privileges.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2008-4865 involves upgrading to valgrind version 3.4.0 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved configuration file handling and path validation. System administrators should ensure that all systems using valgrind have been updated to patched versions. Additionally, organizations should implement proper file permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of directories where valgrind might be executed. The recommended approach includes setting restrictive permissions on directories and ensuring that .valgrindrc files are not writable by untrusted users. Security monitoring should also include detection of unusual .valgrindrc file modifications and execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to execute arbitrary code, the damage remains contained within a limited scope.