CVE-2010-0834 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The base-files package before 5.0.0ubuntu7.1 on Ubuntu 9.10 and before 5.0.0ubuntu20.10.04.2 on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, as shipped on Dell Latitude 2110 netbooks, does not require authentication for package installation, which allows remote archive servers and man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0834 represents a critical security flaw in the base-files package distribution mechanism on specific Ubuntu versions. This issue affects Ubuntu 9.10 and Ubuntu 10.04 LTS systems, particularly those shipped with Dell Latitude 2110 netbooks, where the package management system fails to implement proper authentication requirements during package installation processes. The flaw stems from inadequate verification mechanisms that permit package installation without requiring authentication, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the package management architecture of the affected Ubuntu releases, where the base-files package does not enforce authentication checks during installation operations. This design flaw allows attackers positioned in network traffic paths to manipulate package distribution channels through man-in-the-middle attacks or by compromising archive servers. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where package integrity verification is bypassed, enabling malicious actors to inject crafted packages that execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the package manager process. This represents a classic example of insufficient authentication mechanisms that can be categorized under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and privilege escalation scenarios. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to install malicious software packages that may escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within affected networks. The vulnerability affects systems where package management operations occur without proper authentication verification, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated package distribution and updates are common. This flaw directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of system privileges, and T1546, which covers the modification of system processes and services through package management tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0834 should prioritize immediate system updates to the patched versions of the base-files package, specifically versions 5.0.0ubuntu7.1 for Ubuntu 9.10 and 5.0.0ubuntu20.10.04.2 for Ubuntu 10.04 LTS. System administrators must ensure that package repositories are secured through proper authentication mechanisms and that network traffic between systems and package servers is protected using cryptographic protocols. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized package installation activities, while security policies should enforce mandatory authentication requirements for all package management operations. Organizations should also consider implementing package integrity checking mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar authentication weaknesses in their software deployment pipelines. The remediation process should include verification that all affected systems have been properly updated and that package integrity verification mechanisms are functioning correctly to prevent future exploitation attempts.