CVE-2014-4867 in Cryoserver Security Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
Cryoserver Security Appliance 7.3.x uses weak permissions for /etc/init.d/cryoserver, which allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging access to the support account and running the /bin/cryo-mgmt program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4867 affects Cryoserver Security Appliance version 7.3.x and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw stemming from weak file permissions. This vulnerability specifically targets the /etc/init.d/cryoserver initialization script, which is configured with insufficient access controls that permit unauthorized local users to manipulate the system's security posture. The flaw exploits the trust relationship between the support account and the cryo-mgmt program, creating an attack vector that enables malicious actors to elevate their privileges within the appliance environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file permissions on the /etc/init.d/cryoserver script, which typically should be restricted to administrative access only. When local users possess access to the support account and can execute the /bin/cryo-mgmt program, they can leverage the weak permissions to gain elevated privileges. This represents a classic case of improper access control where the system fails to properly enforce privilege boundaries between different user roles. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of the Cryoserver appliance. Attackers who gain access to the support account can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with higher privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability undermines the appliance's intended security model by allowing unauthorized users to bypass access controls that should protect sensitive system functions. This flaw particularly affects organizations relying on the appliance for network security, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate their access and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4867 should focus on immediate permission corrections for the /etc/init.d/cryoserver script, ensuring that it is accessible only to authorized administrative users. System administrators should implement proper access control lists and review all file permissions related to critical system components. The support account should be hardened through password policies and access restrictions, while the cryo-mgmt program should be reviewed for unnecessary privilege escalation capabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to critical system files and establish regular security audits to identify similar permission misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege implementation and proper system hardening practices that align with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for access control and system security management.