CVE-2013-4401 in libvirt
Summary
by MITRE
The virConnectDomainXMLToNative API function in libvirt 1.1.0 through 1.1.3 checks for the connect:read permission instead of the connect:write permission, which allows attackers to gain domain:write privileges and execute Qemu binaries via crafted XML. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4401 affects the libvirt virtualization management library version 1.1.0 through 1.1.3, specifically within the virConnectDomainXMLToNative API function. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation issue that stems from an incorrect permission check implementation. The vulnerability occurs when the API function erroneously verifies connect:read permission rather than the appropriate connect:write permission, creating a significant security gap in the virtualization infrastructure. The affected system allows unauthorized attackers to manipulate domain configurations and execute QEMU binaries through carefully crafted XML input, effectively bypassing intended access controls.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the permission validation mechanism of the virConnectDomainXMLToNative function, which operates under the assumption that read-only access should suffice for XML-to-native conversion operations. This misconfiguration stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the privilege requirements for domain configuration modifications. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability demonstrates an improper access control issue where insufficient privileges are required for operations that should demand higher-level permissions. The flaw enables attackers to escalate their privileges from basic read access to full domain write capabilities, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the virtualized environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to execute QEMU binaries directly through the compromised libvirt interface. This capability enables malicious actors to perform various harmful operations including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation within virtual machines, and potential lateral movement within the virtualized infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where libvirt is used for managing virtual machines, making it a significant concern for cloud computing environments, data centers, and any infrastructure relying on virtualization technologies. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to virtual machine configurations and potentially compromise the entire virtualization stack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4401 primarily involve upgrading to libvirt version 1.1.4 or later, where the permission check has been corrected to properly require connect:write permissions. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and monitoring of libvirt API calls to detect unauthorized attempts to manipulate domain configurations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation sub-technique. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their virtualization environments and implement network segmentation to limit access to libvirt management interfaces. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the virtualization stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper permission model implementation in complex software systems and serves as a reminder of the critical nature of access control mechanisms in virtualization platforms.