CVE-2011-5275 in Domain Technologie Control
Summary
by MITRE
The install script in Domain Technologie Control (DTC) before 0.34.1 gives sudo permissions for chrootuid to the dtc user, which makes it easier for context-dependent users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5275 resides within the Domain Technologie Control (DTC) software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.34.1. This issue manifests in the install script's improper handling of sudo permissions, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by context-dependent attackers. The vulnerability stems from the script's design flaw where it grants sudo privileges for the chrootuid command to the dtc user account, effectively lowering the security barriers that should normally prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. This misconfiguration creates a dangerous precedent where legitimate system users can potentially leverage their access to the dtc user account to execute privileged operations that should be restricted to administrators only.
The technical flaw operates through a fundamental misunderstanding of privilege separation principles within Unix-like operating systems. When the install script executes with elevated privileges, it inadvertently configures the system to allow the dtc user to execute chrootuid commands without proper authentication or authorization checks. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only possess the minimum permissions necessary to perform their functions. The chrootuid command typically requires root privileges to change user contexts within chroot environments, yet the vulnerable script allows the dtc user to execute this command directly through sudo without additional verification steps. This flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and specifically demonstrates how inadequate access control mechanisms can create exploitable conditions for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise potential. Context-dependent users who can access the dtc user account can leverage this privilege to potentially gain root access or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers could exploit this condition by first gaining access to the dtc user account through various means such as password compromise, social engineering, or other initial access vectors, then utilizing the sudo permissions to execute chrootuid commands that could lead to complete system control. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor path that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different levels of access are expected. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Port/Service Discovery' and 'Privilege Escalation' through improper privilege management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the DTC software to version 0.34.1 or later, which addresses the improper sudo configuration. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of sudo configurations to ensure that no other similar privilege escalation vectors exist within their environments. The remediation process involves reviewing and correcting the install script to remove the unnecessary sudo permissions for chrootuid, implementing proper access control lists, and ensuring that privilege escalation requires explicit authentication through mechanisms such as password prompts or certificate validation. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments of their software installations to identify and remediate similar configuration errors that could create privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper privilege management and the need for security-conscious development practices that consider the potential impact of automated installation scripts on system security posture.