CVE-2012-2053 in FirePass
Summary
by MITRE
The sudoers file in the Linux system configuration in F5 FirePass 6.0.0 through 6.1.0 and 7.0.0 does not require a password for executing commands as root, which allows local users to gain privileges via the sudo program, as demonstrated by the user account that executes PHP scripts, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-1777.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-2053 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the F5 FirePass authentication and authorization system. This issue affects versions 6.0.0 through 6.1.0 and 7.0.0 of the FirePass platform, which serves as a web-based authentication and access management solution for enterprise environments. The core problem lies in the improper configuration of the sudoers file within the Linux system configuration, creating a dangerous security gap that directly undermines the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability specifically targets the sudo program, which is designed to allow users to execute commands with elevated privileges while maintaining audit trails and access controls. When the sudoers file fails to require password authentication for root command execution, it effectively removes the primary authentication barrier that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sudoers file configuration where certain user accounts, particularly those executing PHP scripts, are granted root privileges without requiring password verification. This misconfiguration allows local users who can access these accounts to execute arbitrary commands with full root privileges simply by invoking sudo without authentication. The flaw operates at the system-level access control mechanism, bypassing normal authentication procedures that should validate user identity before granting elevated permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate sudo functionality while removing its protective mechanisms, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. The issue is distinct from CVE-2012-1777, indicating it represents a separate attack vector that requires different exploitation techniques and remediation approaches. This configuration error creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by any local user who gains access to the targeted accounts, potentially allowing for complete system compromise and persistent access to network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with comprehensive control over the affected FirePass system and potentially the entire network infrastructure it manages. Local users who can access accounts running PHP scripts can execute commands that modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms. This vulnerability directly violates the security principle that privilege escalation should require explicit authentication and authorization, creating an environment where any local user can gain root access without proper verification. The attack surface is particularly wide given that PHP script execution accounts are often used for web application processing and system management tasks, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as modifying system files, creating new user accounts, accessing network configurations, and potentially using the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2053 should focus on immediate remediation of the sudoers file configuration to enforce proper authentication requirements for root privileges. System administrators must ensure that all accounts granted sudo access require proper password verification or multi-factor authentication before executing privileged commands. The recommended approach includes reviewing and correcting the sudoers file to remove the problematic configuration that allows passwordless root execution for the affected accounts. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control policies that align with the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only necessary accounts receive elevated privileges and that these privileges require explicit authentication. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to verify proper sudoers file configurations and prevent similar misconfigurations from occurring in the future. The remediation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized sudo usage and implementing logging mechanisms to detect suspicious privilege escalation attempts. Security teams should consider implementing additional controls such as sudo command restrictions, time-based access controls, and regular review of user account permissions to maintain a secure environment. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper system configuration management and the critical need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate access control weaknesses that could lead to complete system compromise.