CVE-2013-4672 in Web Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
The management console on the Symantec Web Gateway (SWG) appliance before 5.1.1 has an incorrect sudoers file, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via a command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4672 affects the Symantec Web Gateway appliance version 5.1.0 and earlier, specifically targeting the management console's sudoers configuration. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of the appliance by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability stems from improper sudoers file configuration that fails to correctly enforce access restrictions for administrative commands, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute privileged operations without proper authorization.
The technical flaw manifests through an incorrectly configured sudoers file that does not properly restrict command execution permissions for local users. This misconfiguration allows attackers to leverage the sudo command to execute administrative operations that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability specifically impacts the management console interface where users can potentially bypass intended access controls by crafting specific commands that exploit the overly permissive sudoers configuration. This flaw operates at the privilege escalation layer, enabling local users to gain elevated privileges within the appliance's operating environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with the ability to bypass security controls that are fundamental to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the web gateway appliance. An attacker who gains local access to the system can exploit this vulnerability to execute commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the appliance's ability to maintain proper access controls, which could result in unauthorized modifications to web filtering policies, configuration changes, or data exfiltration from the network. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the web gateway serves as a critical security control point.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the vendor-provided security patch that corrects the sudoers file configuration to properly restrict command execution permissions. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access control measures including regular review of sudoers configurations, monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, and maintaining updated security baselines for the appliance. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege separation in security-critical applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could enable further lateral movement within the network environment. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of sudoers configurations across all similar appliances and implement continuous monitoring to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.