CVE-2013-2152 in Enterprise Virtualization
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted Windows search path vulnerability in the SPICE service, as used in Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) 3.2, allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application in an unspecified folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2152 represents a critical unquoted Windows search path weakness within the SPICE service implementation used in Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization version 3.2. This flaw stems from improper handling of executable paths during service initialization, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the SPICE (Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments) service that facilitates remote desktop functionality in virtualized environments. When the SPICE service attempts to locate and execute required binaries, it follows a search path that does not properly quote directory names containing spaces, leading to potential exploitation by local attackers who can place malicious executables in strategically positioned folders.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the Windows executable search order mechanism where the operating system searches for executables in a specific sequence of directories. When directory paths containing spaces are not properly quoted in the service configuration, Windows interprets the path as multiple separate directory components. This creates a race condition where an attacker can place a malicious executable with the same name as a legitimate service component in a directory that gets searched before the intended location. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-428, which specifically addresses "Unquoted Search Path," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Local Privilege Escalation," as it enables local users to escalate their privileges within the system. The flaw exists because the SPICE service does not properly validate or quote the search paths used to locate executable files, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2152 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire virtualized environments. In Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization deployments, this vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated privileges on the host system, potentially allowing them to access sensitive virtual machine configurations, steal data, or manipulate virtualized workloads. The attack vector is particularly concerning in multi-tenant virtualization environments where local access might be granted to untrusted users. The vulnerability affects the SPICE service which is critical for remote desktop access to virtual machines, making it a prime target for exploitation. The impact is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability exists in the service layer that manages virtual machine connectivity, potentially allowing attackers to bypass traditional security controls and escalate their access to the underlying hypervisor infrastructure. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly until properly patched, as the vulnerability resides in the fundamental service execution logic rather than in specific applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2152 require immediate attention through proper service configuration and path quoting practices. Organizations should ensure that all executable paths used by the SPICE service are properly quoted to prevent the unquoted search path vulnerability. This involves modifying service configurations to use fully quoted paths when specifying executable locations, particularly in directories that may contain spaces or special characters. The recommended approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices, where all path references are explicitly quoted to prevent unintended path resolution. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to service configurations. Additionally, patch management processes should be enhanced to ensure timely deployment of vendor-provided security updates that address this specific vulnerability in the SPICE service implementation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that quoted paths are properly implemented and that the service continues to function correctly without introducing new operational issues. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path-related weaknesses in other system services that might be susceptible to the same class of attack.