CVE-2015-5160 in libvirt
Summary
by MITRE
libvirt before 2.2 includes Ceph credentials on the qemu command line when using RADOS Block Device (aka RBD), which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via a process listing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5160 affects libvirt versions prior to 2.2 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security of virtualization environments utilizing RADOS Block Device storage. This issue occurs within the libvirt virtualization management framework when configuring QEMU virtual machines to use RBD storage backends, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive credentials.
The technical flaw stems from libvirt's improper handling of Ceph authentication credentials during the QEMU command line construction process. When libvirt configures a virtual machine to utilize RBD storage, it incorporates the Ceph user credentials directly into the QEMU process command line arguments. This practice violates fundamental security principles by exposing sensitive authentication information in plain text within the process listing, which is accessible to any local user with appropriate privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the libvirt daemon's handling of RBD storage connections, where the Ceph secret information becomes visible through standard system monitoring tools and process inspection utilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with the means to escalate privileges and potentially compromise entire virtualization infrastructures. Local users can leverage process listings to extract Ceph credentials, which can then be used to access Ceph storage clusters and potentially gain access to other virtual machines or storage resources within the same infrastructure. This creates a significant risk for environments where multiple users share the same host systems or where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in cloud computing environments where libvirt is commonly used to manage virtual machines, as it can enable attackers to move laterally within the infrastructure and access sensitive data stored in RBD volumes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading libvirt to version 2.2 or later, where the credential handling has been properly addressed to prevent Ceph secrets from appearing in process command lines. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to process listings through system hardening, implementing proper privilege separation, and ensuring that virtualization hosts are properly isolated. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage process inspection tools to extract credentials. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect unusual process listing access patterns and establish proper access controls to limit local user privileges on virtualization hosts.