CVE-2012-5605 in CloudForms
Summary
by MITRE
Grinder in Red Hat CloudForms before 1.1 uses world-writable permissions for /var/lib/pulp/cache/grinder/, which allows local users to modify grinder cache files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5605 affects Red Hat CloudForms version 1.1 and earlier, specifically targeting the grinder component within the pulp caching system. This issue represents a significant security weakness that stems from improper file system permissions, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged by local attackers to compromise system integrity. The grinder component serves as a caching mechanism for pulp operations, and its cache directory structure contains critical system data that requires proper access controls to maintain security boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of world-writable permissions on the /var/lib/pulp/cache/grinder/ directory path, which is a direct violation of the principle of least privilege. This misconfiguration allows any local user on the system to write to, modify, or delete cache files within this directory structure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses cases where critical system resources are assigned incorrect permissions that permit unauthorized modifications. This permission error creates a persistent attack vector that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges or corrupt system data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to manipulate the grinder cache files, potentially leading to several security consequences including data corruption, privilege escalation, or even complete system compromise. Attackers could modify cached data to inject malicious content, alter system behavior, or create backdoors within the pulp caching infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can exploit this weakness without requiring external network access or authentication. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage local vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
The security implications extend beyond simple file modification, as the grinder cache files may contain sensitive operational data or configuration information that could be leveraged to further compromise the system. This vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in the software deployment and configuration management processes, as proper file system permissions should be enforced by default. The issue also highlights the importance of regular security audits and proper access control implementation in cloud infrastructure management systems. Organizations using Red Hat CloudForms should immediately implement the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 1.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive permission reviews of critical cache directories and implement automated monitoring to detect unauthorized file system modifications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper file system permissions and access controls in maintaining the security posture of enterprise cloud management platforms.