CVE-2014-4998 in lean-ruport Gem
Summary
by MITRE
test/tc_database.rb in the lean-ruport gem 0.3.8 for Ruby places the mysql user password 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 • 12/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4998 resides within the lean-ruport gem version 0.3.8 for Ruby, specifically in the test/tc_database.rb file. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper command line argument handling. The vulnerability manifests when the gem executes mysqldump commands during database testing operations, where database user passwords are inadvertently passed as command line arguments rather than through secure stdin pipes or configuration files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern of insecure credential handling that aligns with CWE-256, which addresses the storage and transmission of credentials without proper security measures. When the mysqldump utility is invoked with database credentials on the command line, these parameters become visible through process listing utilities such as ps, top, or htop. This exposure occurs because command line arguments are typically accessible to all processes running under the same user context, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to extract authentication tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent risk for systems where local users have access to process monitoring capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to database systems, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or further lateral movement within compromised environments. The risk is particularly severe in multi-tenant environments or shared hosting scenarios where local users might not have legitimate access to database resources but can still observe command line arguments of other processes.
This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter and T1552.001 for credentials in files, demonstrating how insecure command line argument handling can facilitate credential theft. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many monitoring and diagnostic tools display full command lines, making the password exposure even more pronounced in typical system administration environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4998 should prioritize immediate remediation through updating to a patched version of the lean-ruport gem or implementing alternative database testing procedures that do not expose credentials on command lines. System administrators should also implement process monitoring to detect and alert on suspicious command line argument patterns, while ensuring that database credentials are stored in secure configuration files with appropriate access controls. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their Ruby gem dependencies to identify similar credential exposure vulnerabilities, implementing secure credential management practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for secure configuration management and credential handling.