CVE-2011-2193 in TORQUE Resource Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Terascale Open-Source Resource and Queue Manager (aka TORQUE Resource Manager) 2.x before 2.4.14, 2.5.x before 2.5.6, and 3.x before 3.0.2 allow (1) remote authenticated users to gain privileges via a long Job_Name field in a qsub command to the server, and might allow (2) local users to gain privileges via vectors involving a long host variable in pbs_iff.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2193 affects the Terascale Open-Source Resource and Queue Manager TORQUE Resource Manager, a widely deployed batch job scheduling system used in high-performance computing environments. This critical security flaw manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited to elevate privileges within the system. The affected versions span across major release lines including 2.x before 2.4.14, 2.5.x before 2.5.6, and 3.x before 3.0.2, indicating a prolonged period during which these vulnerabilities remained unpatched in production environments.
The technical implementation of these buffer overflows occurs through specific command processing mechanisms within the TORQUE server. The first vulnerability arises when authenticated remote users submit jobs with excessively long Job_Name parameters through the qsub command interface. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the server process, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks. The second vulnerability affects local users who can exploit a long host variable within the pbs_iff component, which serves as an interface file handler for communication between different TORQUE processes. Both vectors demonstrate the classic characteristics of buffer overflow exploits that leverage insufficient input validation and improper memory management practices.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as they can compromise the entire batch scheduling infrastructure that many high-performance computing clusters depend upon. When exploited, these buffer overflows can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The implications are particularly severe in HPC environments where TORQUE manages critical computational resources and where unauthorized access could disrupt research operations, compromise sensitive data, or provide attackers with persistent access to compute clusters. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions, and represent a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2193 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TORQUE installations to versions 2.4.14, 2.5.6, and 3.0.2 respectively. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to TORQUE server components and enforce strict authentication controls for job submission. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual job submission patterns and implementing input validation controls that limit the maximum length of Job_Name parameters. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their HPC infrastructure to identify other potential attack vectors and ensure proper access controls are maintained across all TORQUE components. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to prevent unauthorized access to batch scheduling systems while maintaining operational efficiency for legitimate users.