CVE-2013-0165 in openshift
Summary
by MITRE
cartridges/openshift-origin-cartridge-mongodb-2.2/info/bin/dump.sh in OpenShift does not properly create files in /tmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0165 resides within the OpenShift platform's MongoDB cartridge implementation, specifically affecting the dump.sh script located in the cartridges/openshift-origin-cartridge-mongodb-2.2/info/bin/ directory. This issue represents a classic insecure temporary file creation flaw that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the OpenShift environment. The problem manifests when the dump.sh script fails to properly handle file creation operations within the /tmp directory, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate temporary files or gain elevated system privileges through privilege escalation techniques.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper file creation practices within the temporary directory, which violates fundamental security principles for temporary file management. When applications create temporary files without proper security measures, they expose themselves to race condition attacks where adversaries can substitute or manipulate the temporary files before they are accessed by the legitimate process. This vulnerability specifically affects the MongoDB cartridge's backup functionality, where the dump.sh script is responsible for creating temporary files during database dump operations. The insecure implementation allows for potential privilege escalation attacks as described in CWE-377, which categorizes insecure temporary file creation as a significant security weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0165 extends beyond simple file manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the OpenShift container environment. When the dump.sh script creates temporary files in /tmp without proper permissions or atomic creation mechanisms, it opens pathways for attackers to perform symlink attacks, file replacement attacks, or other privilege escalation techniques. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in containerized environments where multiple users share the same infrastructure, as it could allow one user to compromise another user's applications or access system resources that should be restricted. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1055 which covers privilege escalation through exploitation of insecure file permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention to the temporary file creation practices within the OpenShift MongoDB cartridge. System administrators should implement proper file permission controls, ensure atomic file creation operations, and consider using secure temporary file creation methods such as mkstemp or similar secure APIs that prevent race conditions. The recommended approach includes modifying the dump.sh script to create temporary files in a secure location with appropriate permissions, implementing proper file ownership controls, and ensuring that all temporary file operations are atomic and cannot be manipulated by unauthorized users. Additionally, regular security audits of containerized applications should include checks for insecure temporary file usage patterns, as outlined in industry best practices for container security and secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual temporary file creation patterns or unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system directories.