CVE-2011-3590 in kexec-tools
Summary
by MITRE
The Red Hat mkdumprd script for kexec-tools, as distributed in the kexec-tools 1.x before 1.102pre-154 and 2.x before 2.0.0-209 packages in Red Hat Enterprise Linux, includes all of root s SSH private keys within a vmcore file, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information by inspecting the file content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3590 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in the Red Hat kexec-tools package, specifically affecting the mkdumprd script functionality. This issue manifests in versions of kexec-tools prior to 1.102pre-154 in the 1.x series and before 2.0.0-209 in the 2.x series, creating a significant security risk within Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. The flaw occurs during the creation of vmcore files, which are essential for system crash analysis and debugging purposes in enterprise computing environments.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the mkdumprd script's improper handling of SSH private keys during vmcore file generation. When the script processes system data for crash dump creation, it inadvertently includes all SSH private keys present in the root user's home directory within the generated vmcore file. This occurs because the script does not properly sanitize or exclude sensitive cryptographic materials during the file creation process, leading to the inclusion of private key material in what should be a system crash analysis file. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning attackers must have access to the vmcore file itself to exploit this weakness, typically requiring some level of system access or administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as SSH private keys represent critical authentication credentials that could enable unauthorized access to systems. Attackers who obtain these keys could potentially establish persistent access to target systems, escalate privileges, or move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise systems where kexec-tools are deployed for crash analysis, as vmcore files are often stored in accessible locations or shared across administrative teams. This creates an attack surface where sensitive key material could be discovered through routine system maintenance activities or accidental exposure of crash dump files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kexec-tools versions to the secure releases mentioned in the advisory. Organizations should implement comprehensive file access controls to restrict access to vmcore files and ensure proper file permissions are enforced. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits to identify and remove any existing vmcore files that may contain sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552, focusing on credentials in files. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management and the principle of least privilege in system administration, as it highlights how seemingly benign system tools can become vectors for information disclosure when not properly secured. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for sensitive data exposure in system crash files and establish procedures for regular security assessments of system tools and their configurations.