CVE-2013-1867 in Tokend
Summary
by MITRE
Gemalto Tokend 2013 has an Arbitrary File Creation/Overwrite Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The Gemalto Tokend 2013 arbitrary file creation and overwrite vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the cryptographic token management system that operates within the public key infrastructure ecosystem. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the token software, specifically affecting the way the system handles file operations during token initialization and configuration processes. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the token's file creation routines, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications of critical system files or the creation of malicious files with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the token's file handling subsystem where insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths and names during the token registration or update procedures. When the token software processes these inputs without proper validation, it executes file operations based on attacker-controlled paths, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and CWE-73, which covers improper control of filename for file operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where tokens typically require elevated privileges to function correctly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and credential theft. Attackers can leverage this flaw to overwrite critical system files including configuration files, certificate stores, or even system binaries, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where cryptographic tokens are used for authentication, digital signatures, and secure communications. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059, this vulnerability enables adversary access to system commands and file operations, while T1070 covers the use of file and directory permissions to maintain persistence. Organizations using Gemalto tokens in high-security environments face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1867 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Gemalto, as the vendor has released specific updates addressing this path traversal vulnerability. System administrators must implement strict file access controls and monitor token-related file operations for suspicious activities. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected token software and establish monitoring procedures for anomalous file creation patterns. The remediation process should include verification of file integrity checks and implementation of automated alerting for unauthorized file modifications. Regular security audits of cryptographic token configurations and access controls remain essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader token management ecosystem.