CVE-2012-4454 in openCryptoki
Summary
by MITRE
openCryptoki before 2.4.1, when using spinlocks, allows local users to create or set world-writable permissions on arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) .pkapi_xpk or (2) .pkcs11spinloc file in /tmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4454 affects openCryptoki versions prior to 2.4.1 and represents a significant security flaw in the cryptographic token management system. This issue manifests when the software utilizes spinlocks for synchronization mechanisms, creating a predictable race condition that local attackers can exploit to manipulate file permissions. The vulnerability specifically targets two critical temporary files located in the /tmp directory, namely .pkapi_xpk and .pkcs11spinloc, which are essential for maintaining proper cryptographic operations and process coordination within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during spinlock initialization and operation. When openCryptoki creates these lock files in the /tmp directory, it does not properly validate or secure the file creation process, allowing local users to establish symbolic links with the same names before the legitimate process can create them. This symlink attack enables malicious actors to manipulate the permissions of arbitrary files on the system, potentially creating world-writable files that could be exploited for privilege escalation or data compromise. The flaw directly maps to CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and CWE-276, which covers improper file permissions. The vulnerability creates a direct path for attackers to escalate privileges through file system manipulation and represents a classic example of a race condition exploit.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to systems utilizing openCryptoki for cryptographic operations, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled. The impact extends beyond simple file permission manipulation as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive cryptographic material or manipulate the security state of the entire system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed by any local user, making it an attractive target for both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained initial access to the system. This vulnerability can be leveraged to create backdoors, modify cryptographic keys, or establish persistent access points that compromise the integrity of the entire cryptographic infrastructure. The exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through process injection or file manipulation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to openCryptoki version 2.4.1 or later, which includes proper file creation validation and secure temporary file handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement immediate remediation by verifying and correcting the permissions of the affected temporary files in the /tmp directory, ensuring that no world-writable permissions exist on critical system files. Additionally, deploying proper file system monitoring and alerting mechanisms can help detect unauthorized changes to these temporary files. Organizations should consider implementing mandatory access controls and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that temporary files are created atomically with proper permissions, preventing the symlink attack vector entirely and aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks for secure system development and operation.