CVE-2014-4995 in VladTheEnterprising Gem
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb in the VladTheEnterprising gem 0.2 for Ruby allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the MySQL root password from a temporary file before it is removed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4995 represents a significant race condition flaw within the VladTheEnterprising gem version 0.2 for Ruby, specifically affecting the database administration component located in lib/vlad/dba/mysql.rb. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files during database operations, creating a window of opportunity for local attackers to exploit the system. The flaw occurs when the MySQL root password is temporarily stored in a file that remains accessible before the system removes it, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive authentication credentials.
This race condition vulnerability falls under the CWE-367 category of Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws, where the system checks for file existence or permissions at one point and then uses the file at a later point without revalidating the state. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets local users who can leverage this timing gap to read temporary files containing critical database credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in file handling procedures where sensitive information is not properly secured during temporary storage operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as the MySQL root password provides administrative access to the entire database system. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain full control over database operations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of database contents, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system, as local privilege escalation becomes possible through the acquisition of administrative database credentials. Organizations using the VladTheEnterprising gem version 0.2 are at risk of unauthorized database access and potential data breaches.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can use this weakness as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistence and move laterally within compromised systems. The vulnerability also maps to the ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Credentials In Files" where attackers harvest credentials from compromised systems. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected gem version, implementation of proper temporary file handling procedures, and enforcement of strict file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to temporary storage areas.
Security professionals should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns and establish proper file lifecycle management practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper resource cleanup and the need for robust temporary file handling in security-sensitive applications. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their ruby gem dependencies to identify and remediate similar race condition vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive system information. The incident underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls for temporary file operations in database administration tools.