CVE-2011-0993 in SUSE Lifecycle Management Server
Summary
by MITRE
SUSE Lifecycle Management Server before 1.1 uses world readable postgres credentials, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0993 affects SUSE Lifecycle Management Server versions prior to 11.1, presenting a critical security flaw related to improper privilege management and credential exposure. This issue stems from the server's configuration where postgres database credentials are stored with world-readable permissions, creating an avenue for unauthorized local access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management and privilege separation principles that are essential for maintaining system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of database authentication credentials within the SUSE Lifecycle Management Server environment. When postgres credentials are stored with world-readable permissions, any local user on the system can access these credentials through standard file system operations. This configuration violates core security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework under CWE-732, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a sphere of protection. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to database resources that contain sensitive operational data, configuration information, and potentially user credentials stored within the postgres database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent threat vector for local attackers who can leverage these credentials to access database contents and potentially manipulate system configurations. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information including system configurations, user data, and potentially other database credentials that may be used for further lateral movement within the network. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various local access methods, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the privilege escalation and credential access categories. The flaw enables local users to obtain sensitive information through file system access patterns that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability when assessing the security posture of SUSE Lifecycle Management Server installations, particularly in environments where multiple users have local access to the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file system permissions and the principle of least privilege in maintaining secure system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0993 should focus on immediate remediation through proper credential file permissions and configuration updates. System administrators should ensure that postgres credential files are configured with restrictive permissions, typically using chmod 600 or equivalent to prevent world-readable access. Additionally, the SUSE Lifecycle Management Server should be updated to version 1.1 or later, which addresses this specific credential exposure issue. Regular security audits should verify that database credentials and sensitive configuration files maintain appropriate access controls, and automated scanning tools should be employed to detect similar permission misconfigurations across the system infrastructure. The remediation process should also include reviewing and implementing proper privilege management policies to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components.