CVE-2012-5660 in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool
Summary
by MITRE
abrt-action-install-debuginfo in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) 2.0.9 and earlier allows local users to set world-writable permissions for arbitrary files and possibly gain privileges via a symlink attack on "the directories used to store information about crashes."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2017
The CVE-2012-5660 vulnerability resides within the Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) version 2.0.9 and earlier, specifically in the abrt-action-install-debuginfo component. This flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that arises from improper handling of directory permissions during crash information storage processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables local attackers to manipulate file permissions and potentially elevate their privileges within the system. The issue stems from the tool's failure to properly validate or secure the directories used for storing crash-related information, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation through symlink attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a symlink attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the directory structure used by ABRT to store crash information. When abrt-action-install-debuginfo processes crash data, it creates or modifies files within specific directories without adequate permission checks. This allows a local user to establish symbolic links that point to arbitrary files on the system, thereby enabling them to set world-writable permissions on files they would normally not have access to modify. The flaw operates at the filesystem level where the tool assumes the directories it accesses are properly secured, but fails to verify the integrity of the directory structure or validate the targets of symbolic links.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security implications for systems running affected versions of ABRT. Local users who can execute the abrt-action-install-debuginfo command gain the ability to modify permissions on critical system files, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges to root or other high-privilege accounts. The attack requires local access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local privilege escalation is a concern. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have gained access to a low-privilege user account on a system that utilizes ABRT for crash reporting, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact is amplified in multi-user environments where the ability to manipulate file permissions can affect system integrity and data confidentiality.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses cases where critical system resources receive incorrect permissions that allow unauthorized access or modification. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where attackers leverage system flaws to gain higher-level permissions. The attack chain typically involves initial access through a legitimate user account, followed by exploitation of the permission flaw to modify system files or directories, and finally privilege escalation through manipulation of file permissions. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to ABRT versions 2.1.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched, and conducting thorough permission audits on crash-related directories to prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual permission changes in crash reporting directories and ensure proper access controls are enforced through mandatory access controls or similar security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file manipulation.