CVE-2013-4364 in OpenShift Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
(1) oo-analytics-export and (2) oo-analytics-import in the openshift-origin-broker-util package in Red Hat OpenShift Enterprise 1 and 2 allow local users to have unspecified impact via a symlink attack on an unspecified file in /tmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4364 affects the openshift-origin-broker-util package in Red Hat OpenShift Enterprise versions 1 and 2, specifically targeting the oo-analytics-export and oo-analytics-import utilities. This represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits insecure temporary file handling practices within the affected components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of temporary file paths during the analytics export and import operations, creating opportunities for local privilege escalation or arbitrary file access. The attack vector leverages symbolic link manipulation within the /tmp directory, a common target for such attacks due to its world-writable nature and typical usage patterns in Unix-like systems. The unspecified impact mentioned in the description indicates that the vulnerability could potentially lead to various security consequences including data exposure, privilege escalation, or system compromise depending on the execution context and system configuration.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of temporary files during analytics operations, where the affected utilities fail to properly validate or sanitize file paths before processing. This insecure pattern allows local attackers to create malicious symbolic links in the /tmp directory that point to sensitive system files or directories. When the analytics utilities execute and encounter these symbolic links, they inadvertently operate on the target files rather than their intended temporary counterparts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file handling, and CWE-378, covering the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions. The attack methodology follows established patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, where adversaries exploit weak file system permissions and insecure temporary file creation to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive analytics data, modify system configurations, or compromise the integrity of the OpenShift platform. In enterprise environments where OpenShift is used for containerized application deployment, such vulnerabilities can provide attackers with footholds that may be leveraged for broader network infiltration. The presence of analytics utilities that process user data creates additional risk vectors, as attackers could potentially manipulate data flows or extract confidential information through this attack path. The vulnerability's persistence in versions 1 and 2 indicates that the underlying design flaw was not properly addressed in the affected releases, leaving organizations running these legacy versions exposed to potential exploitation. Organizations may face compliance issues and increased risk exposure when systems contain vulnerable components that have not been patched or upgraded to secure versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4364 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenShift Enterprise installations with the latest security updates from Red Hat. System administrators should implement proper file system permissions and access controls for the /tmp directory, ensuring that temporary files are created with secure permissions and validated before processing. The affected utilities should be configured to use more secure temporary file creation methods that prevent symbolic link attacks, such as using the mkstemp function or similar secure alternatives that guarantee atomic file creation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file system activities, particularly around temporary file operations and symbolic link creation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential insecure temporary file handling patterns within their OpenShift deployments and related systems. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to validate that the implemented mitigations are effective and that no similar vulnerabilities exist in other components of the platform. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to prevent recurrence of similar issues in future development and deployment cycles.