CVE-2011-4930 in Condor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in Condor 7.2.0 through 7.6.4, and possibly certain 7.7.x versions, as used in Red Hat MRG Grid and possibly other products, allow local users to cause a denial of service (condor_schedd daemon and failure to launch jobs) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in (1) the reason for a hold for a job that uses an XML user log, (2) the filename of a file to be transferred, and possibly other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4930 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting Condor versions 7.2.0 through 7.6.4 and potentially 7.7.x releases. This issue specifically impacts the Red Hat MRG Grid environment and other products utilizing Condor's job scheduling and file transfer mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the condor_schedd daemon, which processes job scheduling and management operations. When the system encounters format string specifiers in job-related data structures, particularly within XML user logs and file transfer operations, it fails to properly sanitize these inputs, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by local attackers.
The technical flaw manifests in multiple attack vectors that exploit the daemon's handling of user-supplied format strings. The primary vulnerability occurs when processing the reason for a job hold that utilizes an XML user log, where format specifiers can be injected into the reason field. Additionally, the filename parameter during file transfer operations presents another potential entry point for exploitation. These vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string functions. The condor_schedd daemon's improper handling of these inputs creates opportunities for both denial of service conditions and arbitrary code execution, depending on the attacker's intent and system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise. Local attackers can leverage these format string vulnerabilities to cause the condor_schedd daemon to crash, resulting in denial of service conditions that prevent job scheduling and execution. More critically, successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the condor_schedd process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability affects the core job scheduling functionality of Condor, making it particularly dangerous in distributed computing environments where job processing and resource management are critical. This weakness directly impacts the availability and integrity of computing resources managed by Condor, creating potential for significant operational disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4930 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Condor installations to versions that address the format string vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly within XML user log fields and file transfer operations. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to the system, they cannot escalate privileges beyond the current user context. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in job scheduling and file transfer operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to Condor services. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for network disruption highlights the need for comprehensive defensive measures including endpoint detection and response capabilities to prevent exploitation and maintain system integrity.