CVE-2010-3382 in tau
Summary
by MITRE
tauex in Tuning and Analysis Utilities (TAU) 2.16.4 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 identified as CVE-2010-3382 affects the Tuning and Analysis Utilities (TAU) version 2.16.4, specifically within the tauex component. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits how the system handles dynamic library loading through the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. The flaw occurs when the tauex utility incorrectly processes directory names in the library path, creating a zero-length directory entry that can be manipulated by local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper library loading practices and demonstrates a critical weakness in how the application manages system library paths during execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the way tauex handles the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. When the utility processes library paths, it inadvertently creates a zero-length directory entry within the path structure, which effectively allows any shared library placed in the current working directory to be loaded and executed with the privileges of the user running the tauex utility. This behavior creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can place a malicious shared library in the current working directory, and when tauex executes, it will load and execute this malicious code due to the zero-length directory entry in the library path. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and can be exploited without requiring network access or complex attack vectors, making it a significant local privilege escalation threat.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected versions of TAU. Attackers can exploit this flaw by placing a Trojan horse shared library in the current working directory from which tauex is executed, effectively bypassing normal security controls that would typically prevent execution of arbitrary code. This vulnerability affects any system where TAU is installed and used, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where administrative privileges are required for certain operations. The exploitation requires only local access and basic knowledge of the system's file structure, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers might have access to shared directories or working spaces. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it can be triggered through legitimate system usage patterns, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3382 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term system hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of TAU that addresses the LD_LIBRARY_PATH handling issue and prevents the creation of zero-length directory entries. System administrators should also implement strict access controls on directories where tauex is executed, ensuring that only authorized users can write to these locations. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices should be enforced to prevent similar issues in other applications, including proper validation of environment variables and library paths. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious library loading patterns and zero-length directory entries in environment variables, as these indicators can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of system libraries and environment variable configurations should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components.