CVE-2009-1296 in ubuntu
Summary
by MITRE
The eCryptfs support utilities (ecryptfs-utils) 73-0ubuntu6.1 on Ubuntu 9.04 stores the mount passphrase in installation logs, which might allow local users to obtain access to the filesystem by reading the log files from disk. NOTE: the log files are only readable by root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1296 represents a significant security flaw in the eCryptfs support utilities version 73-0ubuntu6.1 running on Ubuntu 9.04 systems. This issue falls under the category of insecure logging practices where sensitive cryptographic information is inadvertently stored in plain text within system log files. The eCryptfs filesystem encryption system is designed to provide transparent encryption of files and directories, but this particular flaw undermines the security model by exposing the mount passphrase through log file contents. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in the logging mechanism, as it stores cryptographic keys in locations where they could potentially be accessed by unauthorized users despite the logs being restricted to root access.
The technical flaw manifests when the eCryptfs utilities write the mount passphrase to installation logs during the filesystem mounting process. This creates a situation where even though the log files themselves are typically restricted to root permissions, the passphrase information is persisted in a manner that could be exploited through various attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it represents a privilege escalation risk where local users who might have access to the system through other means could potentially leverage this information to gain unauthorized access to encrypted filesystems. The flaw is classified as a weakness in the implementation of cryptographic key management and secure logging practices, aligning with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which specifically addresses the insecure storage of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the encrypted filesystem. Attackers who can gain access to the system through other means and discover the log files containing the mount passphrase can directly access encrypted data without needing to perform complex cryptographic attacks or brute force attempts. This weakness particularly affects systems where the logging mechanism might be subject to unauthorized access, or where the principle of least privilege is not strictly enforced. The vulnerability is especially problematic in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation attacks are possible, as it provides a direct path to decrypting files without requiring additional attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) techniques, representing how adversaries can extract sensitive information from system logs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through system updates and patching of the eCryptfs utilities to versions that properly handle passphrase storage. Organizations should implement strict log file access controls and monitor for unauthorized access to system logs containing cryptographic information. The recommended approach includes configuring log rotation with proper permissions, ensuring that sensitive information is not written to logs, and implementing regular security audits to detect similar issues in other system components. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for log file access and ensure that logging mechanisms do not inadvertently store sensitive data in accessible locations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper key management techniques, particularly in cryptographic software implementations where the exposure of encryption keys can lead to complete compromise of encrypted data.