CVE-2015-1322 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Ubuntu network-manager package for Ubuntu (vivid) before 0.9.10.0-4ubuntu15.1, Ubuntu 14.10 before 0.9.8.8-0ubuntu28.1, and Ubuntu 14.04 LTS before 0.9.8.8-0ubuntu7.1 allows local users to change the modem device configuration or ready arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file name in a request to read modem device contexts (com.canonical.NMOfono.ReadImsiContexts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2015-1322 vulnerability represents a directory traversal flaw within the Ubuntu network-manager package that specifically affects the NMOfono plugin responsible for managing modem device contexts. This vulnerability exists in multiple Ubuntu releases including the vivid distribution and various LTS versions, making it particularly widespread across different system deployments. The flaw manifests when the system processes requests to read modem device contexts through the com.canonical.NMOfono.ReadImsiContexts interface, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the modem context reading functionality. When local users submit requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences in filenames, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them against the file system. This allows attackers to traverse directories beyond the intended scope and access or modify files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability specifically targets the IMEI and IMSI context reading mechanisms that are part of the ofono modem management framework, which is integrated into the network-manager service.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to local system integrity as it enables attackers to potentially modify critical modem configuration files or read sensitive information stored in restricted locations. The impact extends beyond simple file access to include potential privilege escalation opportunities, as attackers could modify configuration files that influence how modem devices are managed and accessed. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where network-manager is running with elevated privileges, as the ofono plugin typically operates with sufficient permissions to modify device contexts. This creates a potential attack vector for local users to gain unauthorized access to modem device configurations or extract sensitive information from the system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weaknesses and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in system interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as local users could leverage this flaw to gain access to sensitive device information or modify system configurations. The remediation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided patches that properly sanitize input parameters before processing them within the modem context reading functions. System administrators should prioritize updating the network-manager package to versions 0.9.10.0-4ubuntu15.1 for vivid, 0.9.8.8-0ubuntu28.1 for Ubuntu 14.10, and 0.9.8.8-0ubuntu7.1 for Ubuntu 14.04 LTS or later versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access controls for the NMOfono plugin interface would provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.