CVE-2010-3360 in Hipo
Summary
by MITRE
Hipo 0.6.1 places a zero-length directory name in the LD_LIBRARY_PATH, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse shared library in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3360 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw in the Hipo application version 0.6.1. This issue stems from how the application handles library path initialization, specifically when setting the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. The flaw occurs when the application incorporates a zero-length directory name into the library search path, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the default behavior of dynamic linker systems where empty directory entries in LD_LIBRARY_PATH are interpreted as the current working directory, a behavior that is both unexpected and potentially exploitable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the dynamic linker's library resolution mechanism. When Hipo 0.6.1 initializes its environment, it includes a zero-length directory component in LD_LIBRARY_PATH, which effectively creates a path entry that resolves to the current working directory. This design flaw allows an attacker to place a malicious shared library in the current working directory, and when the application attempts to load required libraries, it will first search the current directory due to the empty path component. The dynamic linker's behavior of treating empty path components as the current directory creates an unintended attack surface that bypasses normal security controls. This weakness is categorized under CWE-428, which deals with the use of a system call that is vulnerable to command injection, and more specifically relates to improper environment variable handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running Hipo 0.6.1, as it provides local attackers with a straightforward method to escalate privileges. Attackers need only place a malicious shared library in the current working directory where the vulnerable application is executed, and the application will load this malicious code with elevated privileges. The exploit requires minimal sophistication and can be executed without network access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local privilege escalation is a concern. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the target application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on proper environment variable handling and application hardening. The most effective immediate fix is to update Hipo to a version that properly handles LD_LIBRARY_PATH initialization without including zero-length directory entries. System administrators should also implement proper library path management practices, including setting LD_LIBRARY_PATH to explicit directories rather than relying on default behavior. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege by running applications with minimal required permissions and using secure coding practices that validate and sanitize environment variables can prevent similar issues. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through environment variable manipulation, and organizations should consider implementing monitoring for suspicious LD_LIBRARY_PATH configurations and unusual library loading patterns. Regular security audits of application environments and proper input validation for environment variable handling should be part of standard security practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production systems.