CVE-2009-0180 in nfs-utils
Summary
by MITRE
Certain Fedora build scripts for nfs-utils before 1.1.2-9.fc9 on Fedora 9, and before 1.1.4-6.fc10 on Fedora 10, omit TCP Wrapper support, which might allow remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, possibly a related issue to CVE-2008-1376.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0180 pertains to a critical security flaw in the nfs-utils package on Fedora Linux systems. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 1.1.2-9.fc9 for Fedora 9 and before 1.1.4-6.fc10 for Fedora 10, where the build scripts responsible for compiling the Network File System utilities have been configured to exclude TCP Wrapper support. The omission of this essential security component creates a significant exposure in network services that rely on NFS functionality, particularly when these services are deployed in environments where access control mechanisms are paramount for system security.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the build configuration process of the nfs-utils package, where developers or system administrators have inadvertently disabled the compilation of TCP Wrapper support during the build phase. TCP Wrappers serve as a crucial access control mechanism that provides a first line of defense for network services by implementing host-based access control through the /etc/hosts.allow and /etc/hosts.deny configuration files. When this support is omitted from the compiled binaries, network services such as rpc.nfsd, rpc.mountd, and other NFS-related daemons lose their ability to enforce access restrictions based on client hostnames, IP addresses, or other network attributes that are typically managed through the TCP Wrapper interface.
This vulnerability creates a substantial operational impact for Fedora systems running affected versions of nfs-utils, as it effectively removes a fundamental security control that was designed to prevent unauthorized access to network services. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass intended access restrictions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to shared file systems and sensitive data stored on NFS servers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the service level, where network-based attacks can be executed without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. The implications extend beyond simple access control, as this flaw may enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, data exfiltration, or even establish persistent access to network resources that should be restricted to authorized users only.
The security implications of CVE-2009-0180 align with CWE-691, which addresses inadequate protection of system components, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as T1046 for network service scanning and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability is closely related to CVE-2008-1376, indicating a pattern of similar build configuration issues that affect the security posture of network services in Linux distributions. Organizations running affected systems face a significant risk of unauthorized access to their NFS services, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or regulatory compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where NFS services are commonly used for shared storage and file access across multiple systems. Remediation requires updating to the patched versions of nfs-utils, specifically versions 1.1.2-9.fc9 for Fedora 9 and 1.1.4-6.fc10 for Fedora 10, which properly include TCP Wrapper support in their build configurations. System administrators should also review their network service configurations and ensure that appropriate access controls are implemented through alternative mechanisms while the patch is being deployed. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting NFS services, as the absence of TCP Wrapper support creates a window of opportunity for attackers to bypass traditional access control measures.