CVE-2013-7283 in libreswan
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the libreswan.spec files for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Fedora packages in libreswan 3.6 has unspecified impact and attack vectors, involving the /var/tmp/libreswan-nss-pwd temporary file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7283 represents a race condition flaw within the libreswan package distribution files specifically affecting Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora systems. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary file creation during the package installation process, where the /var/tmp/libreswan-nss-pwd file is manipulated without adequate synchronization mechanisms. The race condition occurs when multiple processes or installation sequences attempt to access or modify this temporary file simultaneously, creating potential security implications that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests in the libreswan.spec package configuration file where the temporary file handling lacks proper atomic operations and file permission controls. When the package installer creates or modifies the /var/tmp/libreswan-nss-pwd file, it does so in a manner that allows for concurrent access without proper locking mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of race condition weaknesses classified as CWE-362, which specifically addresses the timing issues that occur when multiple threads or processes access shared resources. The flaw enables potential privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker could manipulate the temporary file contents or gain unauthorized access to system resources during the installation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple installation failures, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or compromise the integrity of the network security infrastructure managed by libreswan. Systems running affected versions of libreswan become susceptible to attacks that exploit the temporary file race condition, particularly in environments where multiple users or processes interact with the package management system. The unspecified attack vectors indicate that this weakness could be leveraged through various exploitation techniques, including but not limited to privilege escalation attacks, code injection, or denial of service conditions that could affect the entire network security framework.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through software installation and execution of malicious code via compromised package management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where libreswan is commonly deployed for IPsec VPN services, as compromised systems could lead to complete network infiltration. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of libreswan, implementing proper file permission controls on temporary directories, and monitoring for unauthorized package installations that could exploit this race condition.
The remediation approach requires system administrators to apply the official security patches provided by Red Hat and Fedora, which typically involve correcting the temporary file handling procedures in the libreswan.spec configuration file to implement proper atomic operations and synchronization mechanisms. Additional protective measures include restricting write permissions to the /var/tmp directory, implementing file integrity monitoring for critical system files, and conducting regular security audits of package installation processes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper file handling procedures in security-sensitive software packages and the potential consequences of inadequate race condition protections in system-level installations.