CVE-2011-3196 in Domain Technologie Control
Summary
by MITRE
The setup script in Domain Technologie Control (DTC) before 0.34.1 uses world-readable permissions for /etc/apache2/apache2.conf, which allows local users to obtain the dtcdaemons MySQL password by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3196 affects Domain Technologie Control (DTC) versions prior to 0.34.1, presenting a critical security flaw in the software's installation process. This issue stems from improper file permission handling during the setup script execution, creating a significant privilege escalation vector for local attackers. The vulnerability specifically targets the apache2.conf configuration file located at /etc/apache2/apache2.conf, which is configured with world-readable permissions instead of the appropriate restricted access controls.
The technical flaw manifests through the setup script's failure to properly secure sensitive configuration files during installation. When DTC installs its components, it generates the apache2.conf file with permissions that allow any local user to read its contents. This misconfiguration directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control implementation. The file contains the MySQL password for the dtcdaemons user, which is stored in plain text format within the Apache configuration file, making it immediately accessible to any user with read permissions on the file system.
This vulnerability enables local users to obtain the dtcdaemons MySQL password through simple file reading operations, providing them with direct database access credentials. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the attacker gains the ability to manipulate database contents, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The threat actor can leverage these credentials to perform unauthorized database operations, modify application data, or escalate privileges further within the system. This represents a classic case of insecure file permissions that violates the principle of least privilege and creates an unauthorized access path to critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any system running affected versions of DTC, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same system or where security is not properly enforced. Local privilege escalation becomes trivial for attackers who can simply read the configuration file to obtain database credentials. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses incorrect permission assignment for critical resources, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for file system access controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques, specifically through access to credentials stored in configuration files.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate permission fixes and proper access control implementation. System administrators must ensure that the apache2.conf file and other sensitive configuration files are properly secured with restrictive permissions, typically using chmod 600 or equivalent access controls. The recommended remediation involves updating to DTC version 0.34.1 or later, which includes proper permission handling in the setup script. Additionally, implementing regular security audits to verify file permissions and conducting privilege reviews can help prevent similar issues. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish proper file access logging to detect potential exploitation attempts.