CVE-2010-2242 in libvirt
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat libvirt 0.2.0 through 0.8.2 creates iptables rules with improper mappings of privileged source ports, which allows guest OS users to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging IP address and source-port values, as demonstrated by copying and deleting an NFS directory tree.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2242 affects Red Hat libvirt versions ranging from 0.2.0 through 0.8.2, presenting a critical security flaw in the network configuration management system. This issue stems from improper mappings of privileged source ports within iptables rules that libvirt generates to enforce access restrictions between host and guest operating systems. The flaw creates a pathway for guest OS users to circumvent intended network security policies by exploiting specific combinations of IP addresses and source-port values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within libvirt's network virtualization capabilities where it manages iptables firewall rules for virtual machine networking. When libvirt creates network access controls, it incorrectly maps privileged source ports, which should typically be restricted to privileged users or system processes. This misconfiguration allows unprivileged guest operating system users to manipulate network traffic by selecting specific source port numbers that bypass the intended access controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests when guest users attempt to perform operations such as copying and deleting NFS directory trees, which requires network access that should normally be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access bypass, as it fundamentally undermines the security isolation that virtualization environments are designed to provide. Guest users can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to network resources that should remain restricted to host-level administrators or specific privileged processes. This capability enables potential data exfiltration, unauthorized network reconnaissance, and escalation of privileges within the virtualized environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-tenant virtualization deployments where isolation between different users or organizations is critical for maintaining security boundaries.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control flaws and represents a privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by malicious actors within guest operating systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique where adversaries leverage system misconfigurations to gain elevated access rights. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in security systems can create significant attack vectors, particularly in virtualized environments where network isolation is paramount. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of libvirt, reviewing existing iptables rules for proper port mapping, and implementing additional network segmentation controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability across their virtualized infrastructure.