CVE-2014-9091 in Icecast
Summary
by MITRE
Icecast before 2.4.0 does not change the supplementary group privileges when <changeowner> is configured, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9091 affects Icecast media streaming server versions prior to 2.4.0 and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the supplementary group management system. This issue manifests when the <changeowner> configuration directive is enabled, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly transition group privileges during ownership changes. The flaw exists at the core of Icecast's privilege management architecture, specifically in how it handles supplementary group IDs when switching user contexts. Attackers can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges from a standard user account to a higher-privileged state, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources and data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the setgroups() system call within Icecast's codebase. When the <changeowner> directive is active, the server should reset all supplementary group IDs to align with the new user context, but this process fails to execute correctly. This oversight creates a persistent group privilege leak that can be leveraged by local attackers who have minimal system access. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks and can be classified as a weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue directly relates to CWE-276, which describes incorrect default permissions, and represents a failure in proper privilege management during process transitions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access to exploit, making it a significant threat vector for both malicious insiders and attackers who have gained initial foothold through other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9091 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive system resources including configuration files, user data, and potentially other running services. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors that involve local system access, such as compromised user accounts, weak access controls, or other initial compromise methods. Once exploited, the attacker could gain access to audio streams, administrative interfaces, or even system-level data that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation can also lead to broader system compromise, as elevated privileges often provide access to additional attack surfaces and potential lateral movement opportunities within a network environment. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Icecast servers may be running with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9091 focus primarily on immediate software updates to version 2.4.0 or later, where the privilege management issue has been resolved through proper implementation of group ID handling during ownership changes. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and privilege management policies to limit the potential impact of local system compromise. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary <changeowner> functionality when not required, and regular auditing of system permissions should be conducted to identify potential privilege leaks. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and privilege escalation events should be implemented as part of comprehensive security operations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper privilege management in server applications and the need for thorough security testing of access control mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls or privilege separation techniques to reduce the overall risk exposure from such vulnerabilities.