CVE-2010-2489 in Ruby
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Ruby 1.9.x before 1.9.1-p429 on Windows might allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted ARGF.inplace_mode value that is not properly handled when constructing the filenames of the backup files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2489 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Ruby version 1.9.x prior to 1.9.1-p429 specifically affecting Windows operating systems. This security weakness arises from inadequate input validation within the ARGF.inplace_mode functionality, which is designed to enable in-place file editing operations. The flaw manifests when the system processes crafted ARGF.inplace_mode values that are improperly handled during the construction of backup file names, creating conditions where memory buffers can be exceeded and potentially exploited.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the way Ruby's ARGF class manages file operations when the inplace_mode method is invoked. When users specify certain parameter values for inplace_mode, the underlying code fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it to construct backup file paths. This insufficient validation allows attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows platform because of differences in how file path construction and buffer management are handled compared to other operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in Windows environments where Ruby applications are commonly deployed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running affected Ruby versions on Windows platforms. Local attackers who can influence the ARGF.inplace_mode parameter value can potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard user permissions. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, as the malicious input can be embedded within script parameters or configuration files that are processed by Ruby applications.
The exploitability of CVE-2010-2489 aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and execution through system services, with the vulnerability mapping to CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability affects Ruby applications that utilize inplace file editing functionality, particularly those processing user-supplied input through ARGF.inplace_mode parameters. The risk is amplified in environments where Ruby applications are used for system administration tasks or where applications process untrusted input from external sources. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application to Ruby 1.9.1-p429 or later versions, which contain the necessary fixes for proper input validation. System administrators should also implement input sanitization measures for any Ruby applications that process user-supplied data through ARGF.inplace_mode functionality. Additional protective measures include restricting file system permissions for Ruby applications, implementing application whitelisting controls, and monitoring for suspicious file operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that all Ruby applications are running patched versions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.