CVE-2010-1693 in Enterprise Distribution
Summary
by MITRE
openibd in OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution (OFED) 1.5.2 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the /tmp/ib_set_node_desc.sh temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1693 resides within the openibd component of the OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution version 1.5.2, representing a significant local privilege escalation risk through insecure temporary file handling. This flaw manifests in the improper management of temporary files during the execution of the ib_set_node_desc.sh script, which operates within the /tmp directory. The issue enables local attackers to manipulate the system by creating symbolic links that redirect file operations to arbitrary locations, thereby allowing unauthorized modification of critical system files or sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic symlink attack pattern where the attacker establishes a symbolic link with the name of the temporary file before the legitimate process creates it. The openibd service, running with elevated privileges, processes the ib_set_node_desc.sh script and subsequently creates or modifies the temporary file at /tmp/ib_set_node_desc.sh without proper validation of the file's existence or ownership. This insecure direct object reference vulnerability directly maps to CWE-367, which addresses the dangerous use of a resource or capability in an inappropriate context. The flaw exploits the principle of least privilege by allowing a local user to escalate their privileges and potentially gain root access or modify system-critical files through manipulation of temporary file creation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it provides a potential pathway for persistent system compromise and privilege escalation within OFED environments. Attackers can leverage this weakness to modify system configuration files, inject malicious code into the fabric management infrastructure, or establish backdoors that persist across system reboots. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution 1.5.2 and earlier versions, particularly those implementing InfiniBand networking components where openibd services are active. Organizations running these configurations face potential compromise of their high-performance computing clusters, data center networking infrastructure, and distributed computing environments that rely on OFED for fabric management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected OFED version to a secure release that addresses the temporary file handling issue. System administrators should implement proper file permissions and ownership controls for temporary directories, ensuring that the /tmp directory has appropriate sticky bit permissions and that temporary files are created with secure umask settings. The implementation of privilege separation mechanisms and proper input validation within the openibd service can prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious symlink creation patterns in temporary directories and implementing file integrity checking mechanisms can provide early detection capabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1548.001 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism), where adversaries exploit insecure file operations to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, particularly in environments where multiple users or processes interact with the fabric management infrastructure.