CVE-2010-2953 in couchdb
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in a certain Debian GNU/Linux patch for the couchdb script in CouchDB 0.8.0 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted shared library in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2953 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the couchdb script implementation on Debian GNU/Linux systems running CouchDB version 0.8.0. This flaw stems from improper handling of library loading paths during the execution of the couchdb script, creating an exploitable condition that enables local privilege escalation. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to load shared libraries without properly validating the search path, allowing malicious actors to place crafted shared libraries in the current working directory and have them executed with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic path traversal and privilege escalation pattern that aligns with CWE-426, which addresses the execution of untrusted code through insecure library loading mechanisms. When the couchdb script executes, it relies on the system's default library search path which includes the current working directory. An attacker can leverage this by placing a malicious shared library named identically to one expected by the couchdb script in the directory from which the script is executed. The system's dynamic linker will then load this malicious library instead of the legitimate one, enabling the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the couchdb process, typically root or a high-privilege user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Since CouchDB often runs with elevated privileges to manage database operations and file system access, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain complete control over the database server and potentially access sensitive data stored within the CouchDB instance. The vulnerability affects systems where the couchdb script is executed from user-controllable directories, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might have write access to locations from which the script is executed, or where the script is invoked with predictable working directories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2953 should focus on addressing the root cause through proper library path handling and privilege management. Organizations should ensure that the couchdb script is executed with a secure library search path that does not include the current working directory, typically by setting the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable to explicit paths or using absolute paths for library loading. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper file system permissions to prevent unauthorized users from placing files in directories where the couchdb script might be executed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the couchdb process with minimal necessary privileges and ensuring that the script execution environment is properly secured. Organizations should also consider implementing the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques and ensure that their security controls address the specific threat vectors associated with untrusted search path vulnerabilities. Regular patching and vulnerability assessment procedures should include verification that library loading mechanisms are properly configured to prevent such path traversal attacks from succeeding.