CVE-2011-2169 in Chrome OS
Summary
by MITRE
Google Chrome OS before R12 0.12.433.38 Beta allows local users to gain privileges by creating a /var/lib/chromeos-aliases.conf file and placing commands in it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2169 represents a privilege escalation flaw in Google Chrome OS versions prior to R12 0.12.433.38 Beta. This issue stems from improper handling of system configuration files that allows local attackers to manipulate the operating system's alias resolution mechanism. The vulnerability specifically targets the /var/lib/chromeos-aliases.conf file location, which serves as a critical component in the system's command resolution and execution pathways.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of insecure file handling and privilege separation flaws within the Chrome OS architecture. When a local user creates a maliciously crafted configuration file at /var/lib/chromeos-aliases.conf, the system processes this file without adequate validation or privilege checks. This misconfiguration enables the attacker to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that should prevent local users from gaining administrative access. The flaw operates at the system level where configuration files are processed with insufficient sandboxing or privilege verification mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Chrome OS deployments as it allows any local user to escalate their privileges to root level access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal prerequisites - simply creating a file in a specific location with predefined content. This makes the vulnerability highly exploitable in environments where local access is possible, such as shared computing environments, public terminals, or systems where users may have legitimate access but should not possess administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures if multiple devices are similarly vulnerable.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and insecure file handling, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1068. The attack pattern follows a common exploitation methodology where attackers leverage system configuration files to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file access controls and privilege separation mechanisms, ensuring that configuration files are processed with appropriate security checks and that the system maintains strict isolation between user and system processes. Regular system updates and patch management become critical in preventing exploitation of this class of vulnerability.
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of system configuration files and the lack of proper privilege checking during the processing of user-supplied data. Chrome OS should have implemented robust input validation and privilege verification mechanisms before processing any configuration file that could influence system behavior. The absence of these security controls creates a dangerous pathway for local privilege escalation, where user-level access can be transformed into full system control. This vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth principles and proper separation of privileges within operating system design, particularly in environments where security boundaries are critical for maintaining system integrity and protecting against unauthorized access.