CVE-2014-0488 in apt
Summary
by MITRE
APT before 1.0.9 does not "invalidate repository data" when moving from an unauthenticated to authenticated state, which allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via crafted repository data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0488 affects APT package management systems prior to version 1.0.9, representing a critical security flaw in how package repositories handle authentication states. This issue stems from the improper handling of repository data validation during state transitions from unauthenticated to authenticated conditions. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate package repositories in ways that could compromise system integrity and security posture. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanisms within APT's repository management system, creating a window where malicious actors can inject crafted repository data that bypasses normal validation procedures. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the trust model that APT relies upon for package integrity verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when APT transitions between authentication states, where the system fails to properly invalidate previously cached repository data. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate repository metadata while the system is in an unauthenticated state and then leverage that manipulated data when authentication occurs. The flaw essentially allows for a form of cache poisoning attack against the package management system's repository data handling. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to perform proper state validation and repository data invalidation, which is a core component of secure authentication protocols. This issue directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-345, concerning insufficient verification of data authenticity, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in authentication systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0488 extends beyond simple package management compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or install malicious software through compromised package repositories. When an authenticated repository is used, the system may inadvertently trust manipulated data that was cached during the unauthenticated phase, leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. This vulnerability can be exploited in environments where APT is used for automatic package updates, creating potential for widespread compromise across multiple systems. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description reflects the broad range of possible consequences, including but not limited to code execution, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware through seemingly legitimate package updates, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0488 primarily involve updating APT to version 1.0.9 or later, where the repository data invalidation mechanism has been properly implemented. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as repository verification mechanisms, package signature validation, and regular monitoring of package repository integrity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper state management in security-critical systems, where transitions between authentication states must be handled with appropriate data invalidation procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to compromised repositories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through package manager manipulation, and demonstrates how authentication bypasses can lead to broader system compromise. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include verification of package management system configurations to ensure proper authentication state handling and repository data validation processes are in place.