CVE-2014-0039 in fwsnort
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in fwsnort before 1.6.4, when not running as root, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse fwsnort.conf in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0039 represents a critical untrusted search path flaw in fwsnort version 1.6.3 and earlier, which operates under specific conditions that significantly compromise system security. This issue affects the network security tool fwsnort, which is designed to convert iptables firewall rules into snort rules for intrusion detection purposes. The vulnerability manifests when fwsnort executes without root privileges, creating a dangerous environment where local attackers can manipulate the tool's configuration process through malicious file placement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from fwsnort's improper handling of configuration file paths, specifically when searching for the fwsnort.conf file in the current working directory without validating the file's authenticity or origin. This behavior creates a classic path traversal attack vector where an attacker can place a malicious Trojan horse fwsnort.conf file in the same directory from which fwsnort is executed. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-426, which describes the weakness of untrusted search path, where programs search for files in directories that can be manipulated by attackers. When fwsnort processes the malicious configuration file, it executes arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the tool, potentially allowing privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a method to bypass normal security controls that depend on fwsnort's proper operation. Local users who can write to directories where fwsnort is executed can effectively subvert the firewall configuration process, potentially leading to unauthorized network access or data exfiltration. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple file manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share systems or where fwsnort is used in automated security workflows. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1548.002, covering abuse of group privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0039 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to fwsnort version 1.6.4 or later, which includes proper path validation and secure configuration file handling. Organizations should also implement strict directory permissions and avoid executing fwsnort from writable directories where attackers might place malicious files. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in directories containing security tools, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions, and ensuring that security tools are executed with the minimum required privileges. System administrators should consider using absolute paths for configuration files and implementing proper input validation for all external configuration sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for security tools to properly validate all input sources, particularly when dealing with configuration files that may be manipulated by unprivileged users.