CVE-2015-1815 in setroubleshoot
Summary
by MITRE
The get_rpm_nvr_by_file_path_temporary function in util.py in setroubleshoot before 3.2.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a file name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1815 resides within the setroubleshoot tool suite, specifically in the util.py file where the get_rpm_nvr_by_file_path_temporary function operates. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that manifests when the application processes file paths containing shell metacharacters. The affected version range includes all iterations prior to 3.2.22, indicating a significant window of exposure for systems utilizing this security auditing tool. Setroubleshoot serves as a critical component in SELinux policy debugging, helping administrators identify and resolve security policy violations by analyzing system logs and providing actionable recommendations. The tool's functionality relies heavily on parsing file paths and extracting RPM package information, making it a prime target for exploitation through improper input validation.
The technical exploitation occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious file name containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that get processed through the vulnerable function. These characters are interpreted by the shell as command delimiters or operators, allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the setroubleshoot process. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided file path inputs, particularly when these paths contain special shell characters that should be properly escaped or quoted before being passed to shell commands. This weakness aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and command construction practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to system resources and information that could be leveraged for further compromise. When setroubleshoot processes log files containing maliciously crafted file paths, the injected commands execute within the context of the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive system information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where setroubleshoot is used to analyze security logs from multiple sources, as a single malicious file name could compromise the entire system. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution through shell commands, and represents a critical weakness in the application's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1815 require immediate patching of the setroubleshoot tool to version 3.2.22 or later, where the vulnerable function has been properly sanitized. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper shell command escaping, and limiting the privileges of the setroubleshoot process to reduce potential impact. System administrators should review and audit all file paths processed by setroubleshoot, particularly those originating from untrusted sources, and implement monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in security tools, as tools designed to identify and mitigate security issues can themselves become attack vectors when not properly secured against injection attacks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on similar functions within security tooling to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system infrastructure.