CVE-2012-5509 in CloudForms Cloud Engine
Summary
by MITRE
aeolus-configserver-setup in the Aeolas Configuration Server, as used in Red Hat CloudForms Cloud Engine before 1.1.2, uses world-readable permissions for a temporary file in /tmp, which allows local users to read credentials by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5509 represents a critical privilege escalation risk within the Aeolas Configuration Server component of Red Hat CloudForms Cloud Engine. This issue stems from improper file permission handling during the setup process where temporary files are created with overly permissive world-readable permissions. The affected software version, prior to 1.1.2, fails to implement proper security controls during temporary file creation, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises system integrity. The vulnerability specifically impacts the aeolus-configserver-setup utility which is responsible for configuring the cloud engine's operational parameters.
The technical flaw manifests through the creation of temporary files in the /tmp directory with permissions that allow any local user to read the contents. This design oversight violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper file handling. When the setup process generates temporary files containing sensitive credential information, these files become accessible to all users on the system. The issue falls under CWE-732, which specifically addresses Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices. The temporary file mechanism fails to properly secure sensitive data through appropriate access controls, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables local users to gain unauthorized access to system configuration details and authentication credentials. This compromise can lead to privilege escalation attacks where malicious users can leverage the acquired credentials to perform unauthorized operations within the cloud engine environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where multiple individuals share the same system, as it eliminates the security boundary that should protect sensitive configuration data. Attackers can exploit this weakness to escalate privileges, access restricted system resources, and potentially compromise the entire cloud infrastructure. This issue directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing, as the compromised credentials can be used for further attacks within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5509 require immediate implementation of proper temporary file handling practices within the affected software. System administrators should upgrade to Red Hat CloudForms Cloud Engine version 1.1.2 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. The fix involves ensuring that temporary files are created with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access, typically using umask settings or explicit permission controls. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for temporary file creation in /tmp and other temporary directories to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security hardening measures should include regular permission audits of temporary directories and implementing proper file cleanup procedures to prevent lingering sensitive data. The solution must address the root cause by ensuring that sensitive data never resides in world-readable temporary files, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls related to secure configuration management and access control.