CVE-2011-1056 in MSF Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The installer for Metasploit Framework 3.5.1, when running on Windows, uses weak inherited permissions for the Metasploit installation directory, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing critical files with a Trojan horse.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1056 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Metasploit Framework 3.5.1 installer for Windows systems. This issue stems from improper permission settings during the installation process, creating a security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges. The installer fails to properly configure the security permissions for the installation directory, leaving it vulnerable to unauthorized modifications that could compromise the entire system.
The technical flaw manifests through weak inherited permissions that are set during the Metasploit installation process on Windows platforms. When the installer creates the installation directory, it does not properly restrict write access to the directory, allowing local users to modify files within this location. This permission inheritance flaw specifically affects the Metasploit installation directory, which contains critical executable files and components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by replacing legitimate files with malicious Trojan horse versions, thereby gaining elevated privileges when the system executes these modified components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent means of gaining elevated system access. Local users who can write to the Metasploit installation directory can substitute critical executables with malicious versions, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. This creates a significant risk for systems where Metasploit Framework is installed, particularly in environments where multiple users have local access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate installation process to create a backdoor for privilege escalation, making detection more challenging.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic example of insecure default permissions in software installation processes. The flaw demonstrates how installer security configurations can create persistent access vectors that remain exploitable long after initial installation. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques through the use of legitimate system tools and the exploitation of weak file permissions, specifically targeting T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The weakness also connects to T1547, as it allows for persistence through modification of installed software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of Metasploit Framework that properly configures installation directory permissions. Organizations should implement proper permission controls during software installation, ensuring that installation directories are configured with restrictive access controls that prevent unauthorized modifications. Security best practices recommend that installation directories should only allow write access to authorized administrators and should not inherit weak permissions from parent directories. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that installed software maintains appropriate permission settings, and system monitoring should detect unauthorized modifications to critical directories. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper permission management in software installation processes and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of installation procedures.