CVE-2013-7458 in Redis
Summary
by MITRE
linenoise, as used in Redis before 3.2.3, uses world-readable permissions for .rediscli_history, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7458 affects the linenoise library implementation within Redis versions prior to 3.2.3, creating a significant information disclosure risk through improper file permissions. This flaw resides in the command-line interface history file management system where the .rediscli_history file is created with world-readable permissions, allowing any local user on the system to access potentially sensitive command history data. The issue stems from the application of insecure default file permissions during the creation of the history file, which violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the file system level where linenoise, a readline-style library used by Redis for command-line interaction, fails to properly set restrictive permissions on the history file it creates. When Redis users execute commands through the interactive shell, the library records these commands in .rediscli_history, but the file is created with permissions that permit read access to all users on the system. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in the CWE-732 category, which specifically addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources. The flaw allows for unauthorized information disclosure through simple file read operations, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users may have varying levels of access and trust.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially expose sensitive operational data and system configurations. Attackers can gain access to command sequences that may reveal database connection details, administrative commands, or other potentially sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system, and represents a common vector for privilege escalation and reconnaissance activities. The exposure of command history can provide attackers with insights into system administration practices, database structures, and potentially even credential information that may have been entered as part of commands. In environments where Redis is used for caching or data storage, this information could be particularly valuable for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks against the system.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2013-7458 involve immediate patching of Redis installations to version 3.2.3 or later, where the issue has been resolved through proper file permission handling. System administrators should also implement automated monitoring to detect and alert on unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, particularly those related to command-line history or configuration data. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper file system access controls, regularly auditing file permissions on critical system components, and ensuring that all applications properly initialize file permissions with appropriate security settings. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications that may be creating files with overly permissive access controls. The fix implemented in Redis 3.2.3 specifically addresses the root cause by ensuring that the .rediscli_history file is created with restrictive permissions that limit access to the owning user only, preventing unauthorized information disclosure through simple file read operations.