CVE-2014-3980 in libfep
Summary
by MITRE
libfep 0.0.5 before 0.1.0 does not properly use UNIX domain sockets in the abstract namespace, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3980 affects libfep version 0.0.5 and earlier, specifically targeting the improper implementation of UNIX domain sockets within the abstract namespace. This flaw exists in the software's socket handling mechanisms and represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges on affected systems. The abstract namespace in UNIX domain sockets provides a way to create socket addresses that are not bound to the filesystem, offering a more secure alternative to traditional socket paths. However, the improper implementation in libfep 0.0.5 creates a vector through which malicious local users can manipulate socket operations to achieve privilege escalation.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the library's failure to correctly manage socket permissions and access controls when operating within the abstract namespace. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the socket creation and management processes to gain elevated privileges, typically moving from a regular user account to a root or administrative level. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that the attack surface may encompass multiple pathways through which the privilege escalation can be achieved, potentially involving socket binding manipulation, access control bypass, or race condition exploitation within the abstract namespace implementation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk for systems running affected versions of libfep, particularly in multi-user environments where local access is possible. The privilege escalation capability means that an attacker with local access can potentially gain full system control, access sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where libfep is used for communication between different processes or applications, making it particularly concerning in server environments, desktop applications, or any system where the library is actively utilized for inter-process communication.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate upgrading to libfep version 0.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the abstract namespace socket implementation. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable library across their infrastructure and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additionally, monitoring should be implemented to detect any suspicious socket activity or privilege escalation attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and potentially maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation through local exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, process monitoring, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar socket-based vulnerabilities.