CVE-2011-3177 in YaST2
Summary
by MITRE
The YaST2 network created files with world readable permissions which could have allowed local users to read sensitive material out of network configuration files, like passwords for wireless networks.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3177 resides within the YaST2 network configuration module of SUSE Linux Enterprise systems, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the confidentiality of network security configurations. This issue manifests through the improper handling of file permissions during the creation of network configuration files, where the system fails to establish appropriate access controls that would normally restrict file access to authorized users only. The vulnerability affects systems running SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Desktop versions that utilize YaST2 for network management, creating a persistent risk for local users who may exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive network information.
The technical flaw stems from the default file creation behavior within YaST2's network configuration subsystem, where newly created files are generated with world-readable permissions instead of implementing proper restrictive access controls. This misconfiguration allows any local user account to read the contents of these network configuration files, potentially exposing credentials for wireless network connections, authentication tokens, and other sensitive network parameters. The underlying issue demonstrates a failure in proper privilege separation and access control implementation, where the system does not properly consider the security implications of file creation operations within the network configuration context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with potential access to network authentication credentials that could facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure. An attacker with local access could leverage this vulnerability to extract wireless network passwords, which might then be used to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks or to perform additional reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also represents a significant compromise of the principle of least privilege, as it allows any user account to access network configuration data that should remain restricted to system administrators or privileged network management processes.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate remediation through patching the affected YaST2 components and implementing proper file permission controls for network configuration files. System administrators should ensure that network configuration files are created with restrictive permissions, typically limiting access to root or specific administrative groups only. The implementation of proper access control lists and file system auditing can help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting network configuration files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a modified system, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques.
The long-term implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing for system configuration tools. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor permission handling issues can create significant security risks, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems. Regular security audits and configuration reviews should include checks for proper file permissions and access controls, particularly for sensitive system configuration files. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security training for system administrators and developers who work with system configuration tools and network management interfaces.