CVE-2011-3364 in ifcfg-rh plug-in
Summary
by MITRE
Incomplete blacklist vulnerability in the svEscape function in settings/plugins/ifcfg-rh/shvar.c in the ifcfg-rh plug-in for GNOME NetworkManager 0.9.1, 0.9.0, 0.8.1, and possibly other versions, when PolicyKit is configured to allow users to create new connections, allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via a newline character in the name for a new network connection, which is not properly handled when writing to the ifcfg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3364 represents a critical security flaw within the GNOME NetworkManager infrastructure that stems from inadequate input validation in the svEscape function. This issue specifically affects the ifcfg-rh plugin version 0.9.1, 0.9.0, 0.8.1, and potentially other iterations, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation through command injection attacks. The flaw manifests when PolicyKit permissions are configured to permit users to establish new network connections, effectively transforming a legitimate administrative function into a potential attack vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the svEscape function located within settings/plugins/ifcfg-rh/shvar.c, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input containing newline characters within network connection names. When a malicious user creates a new network connection with a name containing newline characters, the system processes this input without adequate filtering, leading to improper handling during the ifcfg file writing operation. This incomplete blacklist approach to input validation allows attackers to inject arbitrary command sequences that get executed with elevated privileges, as the system does not properly escape or quote special characters in the generated configuration files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables local users to potentially gain root privileges or execute arbitrary code within the system context. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, or perform other malicious activities that would normally require administrative access. The vulnerability affects systems where PolicyKit is configured to grant non-privileged users the ability to create network connections, which is a common configuration in many enterprise and desktop environments. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on NetworkManager for network configuration management.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing command injection flaws that exploit inadequate input sanitization. The attack pattern follows typical privilege escalation methodologies documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 and T1059, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper escaping mechanisms when dealing with user-supplied data in configuration file generation processes. Organizations should immediately implement patches addressing this specific issue in their NetworkManager installations and review their PolicyKit configurations to ensure that only trusted users have the ability to create network connections.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected NetworkManager versions, implementing stricter input validation for network connection names, and reviewing PolicyKit policies to limit connection creation privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual network configuration changes and ensure that the principle of least privilege is maintained in all network management operations. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive input sanitization and proper escaping mechanisms in all system components that handle user-supplied data, particularly in administrative functions where privilege escalation risks are high.