CVE-2011-2921 in ktsuss
Summary
by MITRE
ktsuss versions 1.4 and prior has the uid set to root and does not drop privileges prior to executing user specified commands, which can result in command execution with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2921 affects ktsuss versions 1.4 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw in the terminal session management utility. This issue stems from improper privilege handling within the software's execution model where the utility maintains root privileges throughout its operation rather than dropping them before executing user-specified commands. The flaw creates a dangerous condition where any command executed through ktsuss inherits the root user context, effectively allowing unauthorized users to perform administrative operations with full system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, a fundamental security concept that requires processes to operate with the minimum set of permissions necessary to perform their functions. In this case, ktsuss fails to implement proper privilege separation mechanisms, maintaining elevated privileges even when executing commands that should operate under normal user permissions. This behavior aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management and inadequate privilege dropping mechanisms. The software's failure to transition from root to user context before command execution creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control through the ktsuss utility. When an attacker can manipulate the command execution environment of ktsuss, they can execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including local privilege escalation, where a malicious user gains access to a system and leverages the utility to elevate their privileges, or through remote exploitation if the utility is accessible over network interfaces. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ktsuss is designed for terminal session management, a function that typically requires elevated privileges but should not maintain them indefinitely.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves upgrading to ktsuss versions 2.0 or later, where privilege dropping mechanisms have been properly implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting access to the ktsuss utility through file permissions, using sudo with specific command restrictions, or employing alternative session management solutions that properly handle privilege contexts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated system access, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and privilege usage within the system to detect potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.