CVE-2011-0725 in Aptdaemon
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the org.debian.apt.UpdateCachePartially method in worker.py in Aptdaemon 0.40 in Ubuntu 10.10 and 11.04 allows local users to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the sources_list argument, related to the D-Bus interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The CVE-2011-0725 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Aptdaemon package management system, specifically affecting Ubuntu 10.10 and 11.04 releases. This vulnerability resides in the org.debian.apt.UpdateCachePartially method implementation within the worker.py file, exposing a dangerous security weakness in the D-Bus interface that governs package management operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access when processing the sources_list argument through the D-Bus communication channel.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when local users leverage the D-Bus interface to invoke the UpdateCachePartially method with a maliciously crafted full pathname in the sources_list parameter. This allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and traverse the filesystem to read arbitrary files that would normally be restricted or protected. The vulnerability operates at the core of the package management system's privilege escalation mechanisms, where the lack of proper path validation enables attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential information stored in locations outside the intended package management scope.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for systems running affected Ubuntu versions, as it allows local users to gain unauthorized access to system files that may contain sensitive data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate D-Bus interface used for package management operations, making the exploitation more difficult to detect and monitor. Security researchers categorize this vulnerability under CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal issues in software applications, where the flaw allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application's access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and credential access, as local users can leverage the path traversal to read files that may contain authentication credentials, system configurations, or other sensitive data. The attack vector specifically targets the D-Bus communication protocol, which serves as a critical interface for system-level operations in Ubuntu's package management infrastructure. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous because it operates at a system level rather than requiring user interaction or external exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0725 should prioritize immediate system updates to patched versions of Aptdaemon that properly validate and sanitize input parameters before processing them through the D-Bus interface. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls and ensure that all file path parameters undergo thorough sanitization to prevent absolute path traversal attacks. Additionally, monitoring and logging of D-Bus interface calls related to package management operations can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system-level interfaces and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of D-Bus communication channels in package management systems. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for package management operations and regularly audit system files for unauthorized access patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.