CVE-2013-1067 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Apport 2.12.5 and earlier uses weak permissions for core dump files created by setuid binaries, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1067 affects Apport version 2.12.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the Ubuntu crash reporting system. This issue stems from improper file permission handling when core dump files are generated by setuid binaries, creating a significant information disclosure risk for local attackers. The vulnerability specifically targets the security model of core dump file creation processes that occur when system binaries execute with elevated privileges through setuid mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the weak permission settings applied to core dump files generated by setuid binaries within the Apport framework. When binaries execute with elevated privileges and subsequently crash, they create core dump files that should be protected from unauthorized access. However, the vulnerable Apport versions fail to properly secure these files, allowing local users to read core dump contents that may contain sensitive information such as memory contents, process data, or potentially exploitable system information. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles governing privileged execution contexts and file access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as core dump files often contain sensitive data from memory segments that could include passwords, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information. Local attackers who can read these improperly secured core dump files gain access to potentially valuable data that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within a compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where setuid binaries typically execute with elevated privileges, making the information access more significant than typical local privilege escalation scenarios.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, and represents a failure in proper privilege separation and file access control implementation. From an ATT&CK perspective, this issue maps to T1005 - Data from Local System and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive information from the compromised system. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor pathway for information gathering that bypasses normal access controls, making it particularly dangerous for systems where core dump files might contain sensitive application data or system information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1067 require immediate patching of Apport to version 2.12.6 or later, which addresses the improper permission handling for core dump files. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of core dump file creation and access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should review their core dump file permissions across all system binaries and ensure that proper access controls are maintained for files created by setuid processes. Additionally, implementing automated systems to clean up or securely store core dump files can reduce the attack surface while maintaining system diagnostic capabilities for legitimate troubleshooting purposes.