CVE-2012-2945 in Hadoop
Summary
by MITRE
Hadoop 1.0.3 contains a symlink vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2945 affects Apache Hadoop version 1.0.3 and represents a significant security flaw related to symbolic link handling within the distributed computing framework. This issue manifests in how Hadoop processes symbolic links during file operations, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and related components that handle file system operations, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Hadoop clusters process sensitive data and multiple user accounts.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of symbolic links when Hadoop performs file operations, particularly during the creation and manipulation of files within the distributed file system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or directories, then leverage these links to gain unauthorized access or manipulate data in ways that should be restricted. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file access and potential privilege escalation, as the system does not properly verify the target of symbolic links before processing them. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-367, which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws in file system operations, where the system checks file permissions or attributes at one point and then accesses the file at a later point when those attributes may have changed.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2945 extends beyond simple data access violations, as it can enable attackers to bypass security controls and potentially compromise entire Hadoop clusters. Organizations using Hadoop 1.0.3 are particularly vulnerable because the flaw allows for unauthorized modification of critical system files, data corruption, and potential information disclosure. The attack surface is broad since Hadoop clusters often store sensitive data from various sources, and the vulnerability can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. This weakness particularly affects environments where multiple users share the same cluster, as it can allow one user to access or modify files belonging to other users, violating fundamental security principles of data isolation and access control. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct cluster access, web interfaces, or through compromised user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Hadoop installations to versions that properly handle symbolic link operations and validate file paths before processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of file system operations within their Hadoop clusters to detect suspicious symbolic link creation patterns. The recommended approach includes upgrading to Hadoop 1.0.4 or later versions where the issue has been resolved through improved validation mechanisms and enhanced file system security checks. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and regular security audits of Hadoop cluster configurations, particularly focusing on file system permissions and user privilege management. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around Hadoop services can limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized symbolic links have been established within the system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting file system permissions and access control mechanisms that should protect against unauthorized file system modifications and data access.