CVE-2012-3492 in condor
Summary
by MITRE
The filesystem authentication (condor_io/condor_auth_fs.cpp) in Condor 7.6.x before 7.6.10 and 7.8.x before 7.8.4 uses authentication directories even when they have weak permissions, which allows remote attackers to impersonate users by renaming a user s authentication directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-3492 affects the Condor distributed computing system, specifically targeting the filesystem authentication mechanism implemented in condor_io/condor_auth_fs.cpp. This flaw exists in Condor versions 7.6.x prior to 7.6.10 and 7.8.x prior to 7.8.4, representing a critical security weakness in the system's user authentication process. The issue stems from insufficient permission checking during the authentication directory validation process, creating a pathway for unauthorized access through manipulation of authentication file structures.
The technical flaw manifests when Condor performs authentication checks by examining user authentication directories without properly validating their file permissions. When authentication directories exist with weak permissions, the system fails to reject them, allowing malicious actors to exploit this oversight. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by renaming a user's authentication directory to gain access to that user's privileges, effectively bypassing the intended authentication mechanisms. This represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and permission checking, where the system assumes that the presence of an authentication directory indicates valid security credentials without proper verification of directory security properties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within distributed computing environments where Condor is deployed. Remote attackers can impersonate legitimate users without requiring valid credentials, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, system resources, and computational capabilities. This authentication bypass undermines the entire security model of the Condor system, as it allows unauthorized parties to assume user identities and perform actions within the distributed computing framework. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users may have varying levels of access privileges, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate their privileges and access restricted resources.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper permissions for a resource, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1550.003 for use of stolen credentials. The flaw demonstrates poor privilege management and inadequate access control enforcement within the Condor authentication system. Organizations utilizing Condor for distributed computing may experience unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit the flaw, making it particularly concerning for networked environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation for authentication directories, ensuring that only directories with appropriate security settings are accepted during the authentication process. System administrators should upgrade to Condor versions 7.6.10 or 7.8.4, which contain patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing monitoring for authentication directory modifications and enforcing strict permission controls on authentication files can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of authentication mechanisms and proper access control configuration should be maintained to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the system's security architecture.