CVE-2014-0478 in APT
Summary
by MITRE
APT before 1.0.4 does not properly validate source packages, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to download and install Trojan horse packages by removing the Release signature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0478 affects APT package management systems prior to version 1.0.4, representing a critical security flaw in the software distribution infrastructure that enables sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the APT package manager's handling of source packages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise system integrity through carefully crafted attacks. The flaw specifically targets the Release signature verification process, which serves as a fundamental security control in Debian-based systems for ensuring package authenticity and integrity. When attackers successfully remove or manipulate Release signatures, they can inject malicious packages that appear legitimate to the system, effectively bypassing the trust model that APT relies upon for secure package installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper cryptographic signature validation during package installation processes. APT's source package validation mechanism fails to adequately verify the authenticity of package metadata, particularly when Release files are present in package repositories. Attackers can manipulate network traffic to remove or alter the cryptographic signatures that authenticate package sources, allowing them to substitute legitimate packages with malicious counterparts. This manipulation occurs at the network level where attackers can intercept and modify package distribution streams, leveraging their position to remove signature verification elements that would normally prevent such substitutions. The vulnerability essentially creates a trust boundary failure where the system cannot distinguish between authentic and malicious package installations, undermining the core security principles of authenticated package distribution.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0478 extends beyond simple package compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. When Trojan horse packages are installed through this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially providing attackers with root access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects all Debian-based distributions that utilize APT package management, including Ubuntu and various enterprise Linux distributions that rely on the same underlying package management infrastructure. This widespread impact means that organizations with multiple systems running affected APT versions face significant risk of coordinated attacks, where attackers can systematically compromise entire fleets of systems through carefully orchestrated package substitution attacks. The vulnerability also impacts the broader software supply chain security model, as it demonstrates how weaknesses in package management can create persistent attack vectors that remain undetected until exploitation occurs.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include updating APT to version 1.0.4 or later, which includes enhanced signature validation mechanisms and improved source package verification. The remediation process requires systematic patch management across all affected systems, with particular attention to ensuring that repository configurations remain secure and that network traffic is properly monitored for signs of manipulation. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to package repositories and employ intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous package installation patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 for supplying malicious software, specifically targeting the software supply chain component where package integrity verification fails. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-347, which addresses improper verification of cryptographic signatures, highlighting the fundamental security weakness in the cryptographic validation process that allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms. Organizations must also consider implementing additional security controls such as package integrity checking tools, regular security audits of package repositories, and enhanced monitoring of system package installation activities to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.