CVE-2012-3292 in Globus Toolkit
Summary
by MITRE
The GridFTP in Globus Toolkit (GT) before 5.2.2, when certain autoconf macros are defined, does not properly check the return value from the getpwnam_r function, which might allow remote attackers to gain privileges by logging in with a user that does not exist, which causes GridFTP to run as the last user in the password file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3292 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the GridFTP implementation of the Globus Toolkit version 5.2.1 and earlier. This issue stems from improper error handling in the authentication process where the system fails to validate the return value of the getpwnam_r function, a critical system call used to retrieve user information from the password database. The vulnerability specifically manifests when certain autoconf macros are enabled during the build process, creating a condition where malicious actors can exploit the authentication mechanism to execute unauthorized operations with elevated privileges.
The technical flaw resides in the GridFTP server's handling of user authentication when dealing with non-existent user accounts. When a user attempts to log in with an account that does not exist in the system's password database, the getpwnam_r function should return an error code indicating the failure to locate the user. However, due to the flawed implementation, this error code is not properly checked, allowing the system to proceed with the authentication process. The vulnerability exploits a specific behavior where the system defaults to using the last user entry found in the password file, effectively allowing any unauthorized user to authenticate as that last user account, potentially gaining access to all permissions associated with that privileged account.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-252, which describes an insufficient check for a return value, and also relates to CWE-264, representing permissions, privileges, and access control issues. The operational impact of this flaw is severe as it enables remote attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary operations with the privileges of the last user in the password database. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no local access and can be executed over the network, making it highly exploitable in distributed computing environments where GridFTP services are commonly deployed.
The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as this vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise entire distributed computing infrastructures. In Grid computing environments, where multiple nodes communicate and share resources, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain access to sensitive data, execute unauthorized computations, or manipulate the distributed system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' tactic where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain higher privileges than initially granted. Organizations using Globus Toolkit versions prior to 5.2.2 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activities.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in security-sensitive applications, particularly in distributed computing environments where authentication mechanisms form the foundation of system security. The flaw underscores the necessity of comprehensive testing and validation of authentication flows, especially when dealing with legacy systems and complex build configurations that may introduce unexpected behaviors. Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how seemingly minor implementation errors can result in significant security breaches, emphasizing the need for rigorous code reviews and adherence to security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.