CVE-2014-5002 in lynx Gem
Summary
by MITRE
The lynx gem 0.2.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing processes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2019
The lynx gem version 0.2.0 for ruby contains a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper handling of command line arguments. This vulnerability arises from the gem's design where configured passwords are directly embedded into command line parameters rather than being handled through secure input mechanisms. The flaw creates a direct pathway for local attackers to access sensitive information by simply enumerating active processes on the system.
This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure command line argument handling and violates fundamental security principles for credential management. The technical implementation places passwords in plaintext within process command lines, making them immediately accessible to any user with process listing permissions. The flaw enables attackers to leverage standard system utilities such as ps, top, or similar process monitoring tools to extract password values from command line arguments. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-255 Credential Management Issues, specifically addressing the improper handling of credentials in executable contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with immediate access to authentication credentials that could be used for unauthorized access to systems or services. Local users with minimal privileges can exploit this flaw to gain access to sensitive information without requiring elevated permissions or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where process visibility is not properly restricted, as it allows for passive credential harvesting through routine system monitoring activities.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to a patched version of the lynx gem, implementing proper credential handling mechanisms that avoid command line exposure, and enforcing process visibility restrictions through system hardening measures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Credential Access technique under T1555.003 - Credentials from Password Stores, where adversaries harvest credentials from command line arguments. Organizations should also consider implementing process monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on credential exposure patterns in command line parameters, as well as establishing secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being passed through command line interfaces. Additionally, system administrators should review and restrict process visibility permissions to minimize the attack surface for such credential harvesting techniques.