CVE-2012-2314 in anaconda
Summary
by MITRE
The bootloader configuration module (pyanaconda/bootloader.py) in Anaconda uses 755 permissions for /etc/grub.d, which allows local users to obtain password hashes and conduct brute force password guessing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2314 resides within the Anaconda installation framework's bootloader configuration module, specifically in the pyanaconda/bootloader.py file. This issue represents a significant security flaw that affects systems utilizing the Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora distributions during their installation process. The vulnerability stems from improper permission settings applied to the /etc/grub.d directory, which serves as the primary location for GRand Unified Bootloader configuration scripts that control system boot processes and access controls.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of 755 permissions on the /etc/grub.d directory, which grants read and execute permissions to all users on the system. This misconfiguration allows local attackers to access the GRUB configuration files that contain sensitive password hash information. The GRUB bootloader, when configured with weak password protection, stores password hashes in a format that can be extracted and subjected to offline brute force attacks. The 755 permissions effectively bypass normal access controls, enabling unauthorized users to read the contents of the directory and potentially extract authentication credentials from the bootloader configuration scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers who gain local access to the system. Once an attacker can read the /etc/grub.d directory contents, they can extract password hashes from the GRUB configuration files, particularly those related to the root account or administrative users. This access enables offline password cracking attacks that can be executed without network connectivity, making the attack vector particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a method to obtain credentials that may not be protected by standard password policies or account lockout mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-732, which addresses improper permission assignment, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials from password stores. The flaw represents a classic case of privilege escalation through insecure file permissions, where a local user can leverage their access to read sensitive configuration files that should normally be restricted to system administrators. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues in installation tools can create persistent security weaknesses that compromise system integrity and authentication mechanisms. Organizations using affected versions of Anaconda should immediately implement mitigations to address this issue, including proper permission configuration of the /etc/grub.d directory and consideration of alternative bootloader configurations that do not store password hashes in accessible locations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining proper access controls throughout the entire system lifecycle, from installation through operational phases, as the bootloader configuration represents a critical system component that requires robust security protections.