CVE-2015-3315 in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) allows local users to read, change the ownership of, or have other unspecified impact on arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) /var/tmp/abrt/*/maps, (2) /tmp/jvm-*/hs_error.log, (3) /proc/*/exe, (4) /etc/os-release in a chroot, or (5) an unspecified root directory related to librpm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) vulnerability CVE-2015-3315 represents a critical symlink attack flaw that enables local users to manipulate arbitrary files through improper handling of symbolic links in temporary directories and system paths. This vulnerability resides within the ABRT component that collects crash reports and system information, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system. The flaw specifically manifests when ABRT processes files in temporary directories without proper validation of symbolic link integrity, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple target paths including /var/tmp/abrt//maps, /tmp/jvm-/hs_error.log, /proc/*/exe, /etc/os-release within chroot environments, and unspecified root directories related to librpm, demonstrating the widespread nature of the symlink handling issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file system objects when ABRT creates or accesses temporary files and directories. Attackers can exploit this by creating malicious symbolic links in the targeted directories before ABRT processes them, causing the tool to operate on unintended files. This type of attack falls under the CWE-367 category of Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerabilities, where the system checks file permissions or existence at one point in time but operates on different content when the actual operation occurs. The attack vector specifically targets the lack of proper file system validation in ABRT's temporary file handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file ownership, read sensitive data, or modify system configuration files. When ABRT attempts to access these symbolic links, it follows them to their targets rather than recognizing them as malicious constructs, thereby executing operations on unintended files.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3315 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data leakage, system integrity compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive system information. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read files they normally shouldn't have access to, change file ownership to gain elevated privileges, or manipulate system configuration files through the chroot environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where ABRT is enabled, as it allows users to potentially access other users' data or system information. In containerized or virtualized environments, attackers could use this technique to escape container boundaries or compromise host systems. The attack's persistence potential means that once exploited, attackers can maintain access and continue manipulating system resources without detection, making this vulnerability a significant concern for system administrators and security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3315 should focus on implementing proper file system validation and privilege separation mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that ABRT is configured with appropriate security measures including disabling unnecessary temporary file creation, implementing proper directory permissions, and using file system hardening techniques. The recommended approach involves upgrading to patched versions of ABRT that implement proper symlink validation and file access controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect suspicious symlink creation patterns in temporary directories and establish strict access controls for critical system paths. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques and file and directory permissions manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening and regular security audits. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege configurations and regularly review ABRT configurations to prevent exploitation of similar symlink handling vulnerabilities in other system components.