CVE-2012-2150 in xfsprogs
Summary
by MITRE
xfs_metadump in xfsprogs before 3.2.4 does not properly obfuscate file data, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a generated image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2150 affects the xfs_metadump utility within the xfsprogs package version 3.2.3 and earlier. This flaw resides in the implementation of metadata dumping functionality that is used to create backup images of xfs filesystem structures. The issue specifically pertains to the utility's handling of file data obfuscation during the creation of these metadata images, which are typically used for diagnostic and backup purposes in xfs filesystem environments.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient obfuscation of file data within the generated metadata images. When xfs_metadump processes filesystem metadata, it fails to adequately sanitize or encrypt the actual file content that gets included in the dump file. This means that sensitive information stored within files on the xfs filesystem can be directly readable from the generated image file, even though the metadata structures themselves are properly handled. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper data sanitization mechanisms that should have been implemented to ensure that file content remains protected during the backup process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems utilizing xfs filesystems, particularly in environments where sensitive data is stored. Remote attackers who can access the generated metadata images can extract confidential information from files without requiring direct access to the filesystem or elevated privileges. This creates a data exposure scenario where information that should remain protected becomes accessible through the metadata backup process itself. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security assumptions of the backup mechanism, as the very tool designed to help administrators diagnose filesystem issues becomes a potential vector for data leakage.
The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a specific implementation weakness in data sanitization during backup operations. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1005, "Data from Local System," as it enables adversaries to extract sensitive data from system backups. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects administrative tools that are commonly used in system maintenance and recovery scenarios, making it more likely to be exploited in real-world environments where such tools are regularly executed.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to xfsprogs version 3.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly obfuscate file data within metadata images. System administrators should also implement additional access controls on metadata dump files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access these potentially sensitive backup images. Regular security auditing of backup processes and file access controls should be implemented to detect any unauthorized access attempts to filesystem metadata images. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to prevent unauthorized remote access to systems that may generate these metadata dumps.