CVE-2012-5577 in Keyring Lib
Summary
by MITRE
Python keyring lib before 0.10 created keyring files with world-readable permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5577 affects the Python keyring library version 0.10 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in how the library manages file permissions for stored credentials. This issue stems from the library's default behavior of creating keyring files with overly permissive access controls, specifically allowing world-readable permissions that expose sensitive authentication data to unauthorized users on the same system. The flaw exists at the file system level where the library fails to properly set restrictive permissions on credential storage files, creating an inherent security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers or compromised processes running with lower privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the keyring library's failure to utilize proper umask settings or explicit permission controls when creating keyring data files. When users store credentials using the library, the underlying files are created with default permissions that typically include read access for all users on the system. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and creates a privilege escalation vector where any user with access to the system can potentially read stored passwords, tokens, or other sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability operates under the weakness category of CWE-732, which specifically addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credentials from password stores, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to significant security breaches when attackers exploit the weak file permissions to access stored credentials. In environments where multiple users share the same system or when the keyring library is used by applications running with elevated privileges, the exposure of stored credentials can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to various services, databases, and network resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may store credentials for multiple systems within the keyring, creating a single point of failure that can compromise entire organizational security postures. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform lateral movement, escalate privileges, or conduct more sophisticated attacks that rely on stolen credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5577 involve immediate upgrading to Python keyring library version 0.10 or later, which includes proper permission handling for keyring files. System administrators should also implement additional controls such as verifying file permissions on existing keyring files and ensuring that proper umask settings are configured system-wide to prevent future occurrences. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of systems using the affected library to identify and remediate any exposed credentials, while implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to credential storage locations. The fix implemented in version 0.10 addresses the core issue by ensuring that keyring files are created with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access, thereby aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls for information security management.