CVE-2011-3150 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Software Center in Ubuntu 11.10, 11.04 10.10 does not properly validate server certificates, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information via a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3150 affects the Software Center application in Ubuntu versions 11.10, 11.04, and 10.10, representing a critical security flaw in the package management system's certificate validation mechanism. This issue stems from insufficient server certificate validation within the Software Center component, which is integral to Ubuntu's desktop environment and package installation processes. The flaw creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity and confidentiality through man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the cryptographic verification process that should ensure secure communication between the client and package repositories, thereby undermining the trust model that protects users from malicious software distribution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the Software Center's failure to properly validate SSL/TLS certificates when establishing connections to package repositories. This weakness allows attackers to present fake certificates that appear legitimate to the client application, enabling them to intercept and manipulate package downloads without detection. The flaw operates at the transport layer security validation level, where proper certificate chain verification, hostname matching, and certificate expiration checks are bypassed. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in cryptographic implementation, specifically CWE-310, which encompasses failures in cryptographic protocols and key management. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate software packages or to eavesdrop on package installation processes, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data theft.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3150 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential through the execution of arbitrary code. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform package injection attacks where malicious software is delivered as legitimate updates, or to conduct surveillance operations by intercepting sensitive data transmitted during package installations. The attack vector requires network access to the target system and the ability to position the attacker between the client and the package repository, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability affects all users who rely on the Software Center for package management, creating a widespread risk across Ubuntu desktop installations. System administrators and security professionals must consider this vulnerability when assessing risk in environments where users have administrative privileges and access to package management tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3150 require immediate patching of affected Ubuntu versions through official security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. The primary remediation involves upgrading to patched versions of Ubuntu that contain proper certificate validation mechanisms in the Software Center component. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and consider deploying additional security controls such as network access controls or proxy servers with SSL inspection capabilities. Security teams should also review package installation logs for signs of unauthorized package modifications and ensure that users are educated about the importance of verifying package integrity through checksums or digital signatures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with inadequate certificate validation in client applications. Regular security assessments should include verification of certificate validation mechanisms in all software components that handle sensitive data or perform authentication functions.