CVE-2011-2779 in Arcsight C1300 Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
Windows Event Log SmartConnector in HP ArcSight Connector Appliance before 6.1 uses world-writable permissions for exported report files, which allows local users to change or delete log data by modifying a file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0770.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2779 affects the Windows Event Log SmartConnector component within HP ArcSight Connector Appliance versions prior to 6.1. This issue resides in the file system permission model used for exported report files, creating a significant security weakness that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of log data. The SmartConnector module serves as a critical interface for collecting and processing event logs, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on proper audit trails and security monitoring. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in access control implementation where exported report files are created with overly permissive world-writable permissions that should not be accessible to unprivileged local users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper file system permission handling within the ArcSight appliance's Windows Event Log SmartConnector. When report files are exported, they are created with permissions that allow any local user to modify or delete these files, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. This condition creates a privilege escalation vector where local users can manipulate the exported log data, potentially corrupting audit trails or removing evidence of malicious activities. The vulnerability specifically targets the file system level rather than network protocols or application logic, making it a classic example of insecure file handling that violates fundamental security principles. This issue is distinct from CVE-2011-0770, which addresses a different vulnerability within the same product line, demonstrating the complexity of security issues in enterprise monitoring appliances.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2779 extends beyond simple data modification capabilities to compromise the entire integrity of security monitoring operations. Local attackers can delete critical log entries, modify historical data, or introduce false information into the security information and event management system, potentially masking malicious activities or creating false security alerts. This vulnerability undermines the trustworthiness of the entire ArcSight appliance and can severely impact incident response procedures, forensic investigations, and compliance requirements. Organizations may face challenges in maintaining audit compliance, as the integrity of exported reports becomes questionable, and security teams may struggle to determine the authenticity of log data when local users have write access to these files. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users have local access to the appliance or where security boundaries are not properly enforced.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several cybersecurity frameworks and threat modeling approaches, including the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-732 which addresses Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource. This weakness category specifically addresses situations where critical system resources are assigned improper permissions, allowing unauthorized modification. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1070.006 for Indicator Removal on Host, as local users can modify or delete log data to evade detection. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to HP ArcSight Connector Appliance version 6.1 or later, which resolves the permission issues, and conducting thorough security assessments of file system permissions on all critical monitoring appliances. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications, and establishing robust audit trails for file system changes can help detect and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability while maintaining the integrity of security monitoring operations.