CVE-2014-7208 in GParted
Summary
by MITRE
GParted before 0.15.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges via shell metacharacters in a crafted filesystem label.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7208 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within GParted, a widely used graphical partitioning tool for Linux systems. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 0.15.0 and enables local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges through the manipulation of filesystem labels. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the tool's handling of filesystem metadata, specifically when processing user-provided label information during partition operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of shell metacharacters into filesystem labels, which are then processed without proper sanitization. When GParted encounters a crafted label containing special characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or command concatenation operators, it fails to properly escape or validate these inputs before executing system commands. This behavior creates a classic command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the elevated privileges of the GParted process, which typically runs with root permissions due to its necessity for low-level disk operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system's storage subsystem. An attacker with local access can manipulate filesystem labels through various means, including creating malicious partitions or modifying existing ones, then trigger the vulnerable code path during normal GParted operations. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through social engineering, compromised accounts, or other attack vectors. The exploitation does not require network connectivity or specialized tools beyond basic local access, making it a significant threat to system security.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." This mapping reflects how the vulnerability enables attackers to leverage local system access to gain elevated privileges through command injection. The flaw demonstrates a failure in input validation and proper command execution practices, where the tool should have implemented proper sanitization of user inputs before incorporating them into system commands. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects a tool commonly used for system administration tasks, where users might be less cautious about input validation due to the tool's trusted status.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to GParted version 0.15.0 or later, where the input sanitization issues have been addressed. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting local access to systems where GParted is installed, monitoring for unusual partitioning activities, and ensuring that only trusted users have access to the tool. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in system administration tools and underscores the need for security-conscious development practices, particularly when dealing with user-provided data that may be incorporated into system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates of critical system utilities and avoid similar vulnerabilities in other software components.