CVE-2010-4096 in Monkeysphere
Summary
by MITRE
share/ma/keys_for_user in Monkeysphere 0.31 and 0.32 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via unknown manipulations related to the "monkeysphere-authentication keys-for-user" command.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4096 resides within the Monkeysphere authentication system version 0.31 and 0.32, specifically within the share/ma/keys_for_user component. This flaw manifests in the "monkeysphere-authentication keys-for-user" command which is designed to manage authentication keys for user accounts. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected Monkeysphere versions. The attack vector leverages unknown manipulations within the key management process, potentially enabling privilege escalation and unauthorized system access. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of local privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution, which are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited by users who already have limited system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the keys_for_user function. When the system processes the "keys-for-user" command, it appears to fail in properly sanitizing or validating user-supplied parameters that influence the key generation or retrieval process. This weakness creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious input that gets interpreted and executed as code by the underlying system components. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue because it requires local system access but can be leveraged to gain elevated privileges or execute arbitrary commands with higher system permissions. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a dangerous flaw that could be exploited to compromise entire systems or establish persistent access points within network environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4096 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or access sensitive system resources. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other sensitive materials stored within the Monkeysphere framework. The implications are particularly severe for systems relying on Monkeysphere for authentication management, as successful exploitation could compromise the entire authentication infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and execution techniques, specifically targeting local system access and command execution capabilities. Organizations using Monkeysphere for authentication and key management would face significant risk exposure if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4096 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Monkeysphere installations to version 0.33 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and unusual command executions related to the keys-for-user functionality. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their authentication infrastructure to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in security-critical components, aligning with CWE guidelines for preventing code injection and privilege escalation attacks. Regular security updates, proper access controls, and principle of least privilege enforcement should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.