CVE-2012-4518 in ibacm
Summary
by MITRE
ibacm 1.0.7 creates files with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to overwrite the ib_acm daemon log or ibacm.port file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4518 affects the ibacm 1.0.7 component within InfiniBand communication management systems. This issue stems from improper file permission handling during the creation of system files, specifically allowing local users to manipulate critical daemon configuration and logging files through world-writable permissions. The vulnerability exists in the context of InfiniBand networking infrastructure where the ibacm daemon manages communication between network components and maintains operational logs for system monitoring and troubleshooting purposes.
The technical flaw manifests in the ibacm daemon's failure to properly set file permissions when creating log files or port configuration files. When these files are created with world-writable permissions, any local user on the system can modify or overwrite them, potentially leading to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ib_acm daemon log file and the ibacm.port file which contain critical system information and configuration data. This flaw represents a classic case of insecure file creation practices where the system fails to implement proper access controls during file initialization, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by any local user with basic system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as local users can potentially manipulate the daemon's operational behavior by modifying configuration files or injecting malicious log entries. This could result in system instability, data corruption, or even provide a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where InfiniBand networks are used for high-security applications, as it allows unauthorized local users to potentially disrupt network communications or gain elevated privileges. The attack vector is straightforward requiring only local system access, making it exploitable in scenarios where privilege separation is not properly enforced. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system permissions for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4518 should focus on immediate permission correction and system hardening. System administrators should verify that ibacm-created files are created with restrictive permissions, typically limiting write access to the daemon user or group only. The recommended fix involves modifying the ibacm daemon source code to ensure proper file permission settings during creation, typically setting permissions to 600 or 640 instead of the insecure 666 or 777. Additionally, implementing proper file ownership controls and using secure file creation methods such as open() with O_CREAT and O_EXCL flags can prevent race conditions that might allow privilege escalation. Regular system audits should verify that no world-writable files exist in critical daemon directories, and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized file modifications to these sensitive locations. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and ensuring that daemon processes run with minimal required privileges to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.