CVE-2014-1835 in echor
Summary
by MITRE
The perform_request function in /lib/echor/backplane.rb in echor 0.1.6 Ruby Gem allows local users to steal the login credentials by watching the process table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1835 resides within the echor Ruby gem version 0.1.6, specifically within the perform_request function located in the /lib/echor/backplane.rb file. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables local attackers to extract sensitive authentication credentials through process monitoring techniques. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication data within the gem's internal processes, creating an attack vector that directly compromises user security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the process table monitoring capabilities available to local users. When the perform_request function executes, it inadvertently exposes login credentials in a manner that makes them visible to processes running with sufficient privileges to inspect the system's process table. This occurs because the authentication information is not properly sanitized or secured during the request processing cycle, allowing attackers to capture sensitive data through standard system monitoring tools. The flaw operates at the system level rather than through network-based attacks, making it particularly concerning for environments where local privilege escalation is possible.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a direct path for credential theft that can lead to unauthorized access to systems and services protected by the echor gem. The attack requires only local system access and basic process monitoring capabilities, making it relatively easy to exploit in environments where attackers have achieved user-level access. This vulnerability essentially undermines the authentication mechanisms that the gem is designed to protect, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain access to additional systems within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a specific case of credential exposure through process inspection. From the ATT&CK framework perspective, this corresponds to techniques involving process discovery and credential access through system monitoring. The attack vector falls under privilege escalation and credential access categories, where local users can leverage their existing access to extract sensitive information from running processes. Organizations implementing echor 0.1.6 should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through software updates and code modifications. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of the echor gem that properly sanitizes authentication data during process execution. System administrators should also implement process monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual process table access patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their Ruby gem installations to identify other potentially vulnerable components. The remediation process should include reviewing all applications that utilize the echor gem and ensuring proper credential handling practices are implemented throughout the application stack.