CVE-2012-1586 in cifs-utils
Summary
by MITRE
mount.cifs in cifs-utils 2.6 allows local users to determine the existence of arbitrary files or directories via the file path in the second argument, which reveals their existence in an error message.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1586 resides within the mount.cifs utility distributed with cifs-utils version 2.6, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive filesystem metadata to local attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects the error handling mechanism of the mount.cifs command when processing file paths provided as arguments, creating a scenario where attackers can infer the presence or absence of specific files or directories through crafted input sequences. The flaw operates at the application level within the CIFS (Common Internet File System) mounting utilities that facilitate network filesystem access in Unix-like operating systems, making it particularly concerning for environments that rely heavily on networked storage solutions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-provided file path arguments within the mount.cifs utility. When a local user provides a file path as the second argument to the mount.cifs command, the utility processes this input without proper access control checks or error message sanitization. If the specified path does not exist or cannot be accessed, the error message generated by the system inadvertently reveals whether the target file or directory exists, thereby providing attackers with a method to enumerate filesystem contents through a process of trial and error. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper handling of error messages that can reveal system information, and represents a form of information leakage that can be exploited for reconnaissance purposes.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1586 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundational attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to map network filesystem structures, identify sensitive file locations, and potentially discover system configurations or user data that might otherwise remain hidden. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local users might not have legitimate access to certain filesystem locations, as it provides a covert means of information gathering that could aid in planning subsequent attacks. This flaw can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and contributes to the broader category of reconnaissance activities that precede more targeted exploitation phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1586 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling within the affected utilities. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of cifs-utils where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved error message handling and path validation mechanisms. Additionally, access controls should be enforced to limit local users' ability to execute mount.cifs commands with arbitrary arguments, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of filesystem enumeration attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in utilities that handle user input and generate system responses, as proper error handling can prevent information leakage that might otherwise aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such information disclosure vulnerabilities within their infrastructure.