CVE-2013-4362 in davfs2
Summary
by MITRE
WEB-DAV Linux File System (davfs2) 1.4.6 and 1.4.7 allow local users to gain privileges via unknown attack vectors in (1) kernel_interface.c and (2) mount_davfs.c, related to the "system" function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4362 affects the davfs2 package version 1.4.6 and 1.4.7, which implements a WebDAV file system for Linux systems. This flaw exists within the kernel_interface.c and mount_davfs.c source files where the system function is improperly utilized, creating potential privilege escalation pathways for local attackers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of system calls within the WebDAV file system implementation, specifically when processing mount operations and kernel interface interactions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper use of the system function in two critical code paths. When davfs2 processes WebDAV mount operations, it invokes the system function without adequate sanitization of input parameters, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as shell commands. This creates a classic command injection scenario where local users can craft specific inputs that, when processed by the system function, execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests in both kernel_interface.c and mount_davfs.c because these components handle different aspects of the WebDAV mounting process, each containing the unsafe system call pattern that enables privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running affected davfs2 versions, as local attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root access. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms installation, or further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects systems where davfs2 is installed and used for mounting WebDAV shares, particularly in enterprise environments where WebDAV integration is common for document sharing and collaboration. The local nature of the attack means that no network exposure is required, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have limited access but still need to mount WebDAV resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4362 should prioritize immediate patching of the davfs2 package to versions that address the unsafe system function usage patterns. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures within the WebDAV mount process, ensuring that all user-provided inputs are properly escaped or filtered before being processed. The use of privilege separation mechanisms and mandatory access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual system call patterns and privilege escalation attempts should be implemented as part of security operations. Organizations should also consider disabling davfs2 if it is not essential for their operations, as the vulnerability affects core system functionality that is difficult to secure completely without patching. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and command and control categories.