CVE-2015-1378 in grml-debootstrap
Summary
by MITRE
cmdlineopts.clp in grml-debootstrap in Debian 0.54, 0.68.x before 0.68.1, 0.7x before 0.78 is source without checking that the local directory is writable by non-root users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1378 affects the grml-debootstrap tool in Debian systems, specifically targeting the cmdlineopts.clp component within version ranges 0.54, 0.68.x before 0.68.1, and 0.7x before 0.78. This issue represents a significant security flaw that stems from inadequate validation of directory permissions during the debootstrap process. The vulnerability occurs when the tool fails to verify whether the local directory intended for installation is writable by non-root users, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of file system permissions within the grml-debootstrap utility. When the tool executes the debootstrap process, it does not perform sufficient checks to ensure that the target directory has appropriate write permissions for non-root users. This omission creates a privilege escalation vector where unprivileged users could potentially manipulate the installation process or gain elevated privileges through malicious directory manipulation. The flaw is categorized under CWE-732, which deals with Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege checking in system utilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1378 extends beyond simple permission issues, as it can enable attackers to compromise the integrity of the debootstrap process and potentially elevate privileges. An attacker with access to a system running an affected version of grml-debootstrap could exploit this vulnerability to modify installation files, inject malicious code into the bootstrapping process, or manipulate the target directory structure in ways that could affect system security. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where different users might need to perform debootstrap operations, as it could allow one user to affect another user's installation process or even compromise the entire system's security posture.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence. The flaw enables an attacker to potentially gain elevated privileges through the manipulation of directory permissions, which falls under the privilege escalation category. Additionally, since grml-debootstrap is commonly used in automated deployment and containerization scenarios, this vulnerability could be exploited in supply chain attacks or to establish persistent access points. The vulnerability also intersects with defense evasion techniques, as attackers could use the compromised installation process to hide malicious activities or establish backdoors during system deployment.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to grml-debootstrap version 0.68.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory permission checking issue. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting directory permissions, monitoring for unauthorized changes to installation directories, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of system utilities. Organizations should consider implementing least privilege principles for directory access and ensure that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized users from manipulating critical system installation processes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper permission validation in system utilities and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of deployment tools used in enterprise environments.