CVE-2014-4991 in codders-dataset Gem
Summary
by MITRE
(1) lib/dataset/database/mysql.rb and (2) lib/dataset/database/postgresql.rb in the codders-dataset gem 1.3.2.1 for Ruby place credentials on the mysqldump command line, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing the process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4991 affects the codders-dataset gem version 1.3.2.1 for Ruby, specifically within the database handling components for both MySQL and PostgreSQL systems. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through process enumeration techniques. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of database connection parameters within the mysqldump command execution process, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to confidential information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in the database driver files where credential information is passed directly to the mysqldump utility command line interface. When the codders-dataset gem executes database backup operations, it constructs command line arguments containing database username and password information, which are subsequently exposed in the process listing accessible to local users. This design flaw violates fundamental security principles of credential handling and demonstrates poor separation of concerns between application logic and system-level command execution. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-255 Credential Management Issues and specifically relates to CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, as the command line construction lacks proper sanitization and resource management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised environments. Local users with basic system access can leverage process enumeration capabilities to discover database credentials, which could then be used to establish unauthorized database connections, extract sensitive data, or perform administrative operations on target systems. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where the codders-dataset gem is used for database backup operations, as the attack surface remains active during the execution of backup processes. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 Local Data Collection, where adversaries gather credentials and sensitive information from compromised systems through process inspection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through code modification to eliminate credential exposure in command line arguments. The recommended approach involves implementing proper credential handling mechanisms that separate authentication data from command line construction, utilizing environment variables or configuration files with restricted access permissions instead of direct command line injection. System administrators should also implement process monitoring and access controls to limit local user capabilities that could enable process enumeration. Additionally, the gem should be updated to version 1.3.2.2 or later, which contains the patched implementation that properly manages database credentials during backup operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing this gem and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented across their database backup and recovery processes.