CVE-2011-2473 in OProfile
Summary
by MITRE
The do_dump_data function in utils/opcontrol in OProfile 0.9.6 and earlier might allow local users to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a crafted --session-dir argument in conjunction with a symlink attack on the opd_pipe file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-1760.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2473 resides within the OProfile system profiler utility version 0.9.6 and earlier, specifically within the do_dump_data function located in utils/opcontrol. This flaw represents a significant security concern that enables local attackers to potentially create or overwrite arbitrary files on the system through a carefully crafted combination of command-line arguments and symbolic link manipulation. The vulnerability operates by exploiting a race condition or path traversal mechanism that occurs when the utility processes the --session-dir argument, which is designed to specify the directory where profiling data should be stored. When combined with a symlink attack targeting the opd_pipe file, this creates an opportunity for privilege escalation and file system manipulation that could compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated attack pattern that leverages the interaction between multiple system components. The do_dump_data function in OProfile fails to properly validate or sanitize the session directory path when processing user-supplied input through the --session-dir argument. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the symbolic link structure of the opd_pipe file, which serves as a communication channel between different processes in the profiling system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it combines elements of both privilege escalation and arbitrary file creation, potentially enabling attackers to write malicious content to critical system locations. This attack vector operates under the broader category of symlink-based attacks that are commonly classified under CWE-367, which addresses the improper handling of symbolic links in security-sensitive contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2473 extends beyond simple file manipulation to potentially compromise the entire system security posture. Local users who can execute the opcontrol utility can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, create backdoor executables, or modify configuration data that could lead to persistent access or system instability. The attack requires the target system to be running OProfile with appropriate privileges, but once successful, the consequences can be severe as attackers gain the ability to manipulate the profiling infrastructure itself. This vulnerability affects systems that rely on OProfile for performance monitoring and can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where profiling data is used for system optimization and security auditing. The issue is further compounded by the fact that it operates silently without obvious indicators of compromise, making detection and forensic analysis more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate system hardening and long-term architectural improvements. System administrators should immediately upgrade to OProfile versions that contain patches addressing this specific flaw, as the vulnerability has been recognized and fixed in subsequent releases. The recommended approach includes implementing proper input validation and path sanitization within the do_dump_data function to prevent arbitrary directory traversal. Additionally, the system should be configured to disable unnecessary symbolic link creation capabilities in the profiling directories, and proper file permissions should be enforced to limit the scope of potential damage. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file creation patterns or modifications to the opd_pipe file, as this would serve as an early warning indicator of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and input validation in security-critical system utilities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1078 for valid accounts and legitimate credentials exploitation.