CVE-2011-2471 in OProfile
Summary
by MITRE
utils/opcontrol in OProfile 0.9.6 and earlier might allow local users to gain privileges via shell metacharacters in the (1) --vmlinux, (2) --session-dir, or (3) --xen argument, related to the daemonrc file and the do_save_setup and do_load_setup functions, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-1760.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2471 affects the OProfile system profiling tool version 0.9.6 and earlier, specifically targeting the opcontrol utility within the system's privilege management framework. This issue represents a classic command injection flaw that exploits improper input validation in critical system components. The vulnerability manifests when local users manipulate shell metacharacters within specific command-line arguments, particularly --vmlinux, --session-dir, and --xen parameters, which are processed through the daemonrc configuration file and related functions. The flaw stems from the lack of proper sanitization of user-supplied input before it is incorporated into system commands, creating an avenue for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the daemonrc file processing logic and specifically affects the do_save_setup and do_load_setup functions that handle system configuration persistence. When these functions process user-provided arguments containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, the input gets interpreted by the shell as command delimiters or operators rather than simple string parameters. This misinterpretation allows attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with elevated privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a system profiling tool that typically requires elevated permissions to function properly, making the privilege escalation attack more straightforward than in typical user-space applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2471 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Local attackers who can execute the opcontrol utility with sufficient privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions, effectively bypassing normal access controls and system security measures. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for executing malicious commands through shell interactions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it exploits legitimate system tools rather than introducing malicious code, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access without raising immediate security alarms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of OProfile installations to versions that properly sanitize input parameters and implement proper shell escaping mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that all instances of OProfile are updated to versions that address this specific command injection flaw. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all command-line arguments processed by system utilities can prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other components. The configuration files and daemonrc processing functions should be reviewed to ensure that user inputs are properly escaped or filtered before being incorporated into system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of system profiling and monitoring tools are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that could enable privilege escalation attacks through shell injection mechanisms.