CVE-2014-5004 in brbackup Gem
Summary
by MITRE
lib/brbackup.rb in the brbackup gem 0.1.1 for Ruby places the database password on the mysql 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-2014-5004 resides within the brbackup gem version 0.1.1 for Ruby, specifically in the lib/brbackup.rb file. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes database credentials through improper command execution practices. The vulnerability occurs when the gem executes mysql commands with database passwords directly embedded in the command line arguments rather than using secure authentication methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the gem's failure to properly handle database authentication parameters. When brbackup executes mysql backup operations, it constructs command line arguments that include the database password as a direct parameter. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition where any local user with process listing privileges can view the complete command line through tools such as ps, top, or similar system monitoring utilities. The password becomes visible in plain text within process information, making it immediately accessible to unauthorized users who may have minimal system access.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-255 Credentials Management Issues and CWE-77 "Command Injection" within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, highlighting the dangerous combination of insecure credential handling and command line argument construction. The operational impact of this flaw is severe as it allows attackers to obtain database passwords through simple process enumeration techniques, potentially leading to unauthorized database access, data breaches, and privilege escalation within the affected system environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that local users with basic system access can exploit this vulnerability without requiring network-level privileges.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential exposure, as this vulnerability can facilitate further attacks within the database ecosystem. Once an attacker obtains the database password, they can establish direct database connections, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges to gain broader system access. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in the gem's implementation, as it fails to consider the security implications of command line argument construction and credential handling practices. Organizations using this gem face significant risk of data compromise, particularly in multi-tenant environments or systems where local user access is not strictly controlled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5004 should prioritize immediate remediation through updating to a patched version of the brbackup gem or implementing alternative backup solutions that properly handle database credentials. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all systems using this gem to identify and remove vulnerable installations. Additionally, implementing process monitoring and privilege controls can help limit the exposure of command line information, while proper credential management practices such as using configuration files with restricted permissions or environment variables should be adopted. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following the principle of least privilege and ensuring that command line arguments containing sensitive information are not exposed through process listings, aligning with the ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts using stolen credentials and establish proper security controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their infrastructure.