CVE-2015-5287 in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool
Summary
by MITRE
The abrt-hook-ccpp help program in Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) before 2.7.1 allows local users with certain permissions to gain privileges via a symlink attack on a file with a predictable name, as demonstrated by /var/tmp/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump or /var/spool/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The CVE-2015-5287 vulnerability resides within the Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) ecosystem, specifically targeting the abrt-hook-ccpp help program. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vector through symbolic link manipulation, where local attackers with specific permissions can exploit predictable file naming conventions to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability affects ABRT versions prior to 2.7.1, making it a significant concern for systems running outdated bug reporting infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the predictable naming pattern of temporary files used by ABRT during core dump processing. Attackers can create malicious symbolic links that point to critical system files or directories, then trigger the abrt-hook-ccpp program to process these predictable filenames. The program, lacking proper validation of file ownership or permissions, follows the symbolic links and performs operations on the targeted files, effectively allowing privilege escalation. The specific vulnerable paths include /var/tmp/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump and /var/spool/abrt/abrt-hax-coredump, which represent common temporary storage locations for ABRT's core dump handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain root access or elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond creating the symbolic link, making it an attractive attack vector for persistent threat actors. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient file access control mechanisms within the ABRT framework, potentially allowing attackers to modify critical system files, inject malicious code, or establish persistent backdoors through the compromised privilege escalation path. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-276: Incorrect Permission Assignment, both of which relate to improper file handling and access control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5287 primarily focus on upgrading to ABRT version 2.7.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved file handling and validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and access controls on the affected temporary directories, ensuring that only authorized users can create files in these locations. The use of secure temporary file creation methods, such as creating files with exclusive access permissions and verifying file ownership before processing, can prevent similar attacks. Additionally, implementing monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation in temporary directories and applying the principle of least privilege to ABRT processes can significantly reduce the attack surface. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1548.001: Abuse of Functionality, representing how attackers can leverage system tools to achieve elevated privileges through proper exploitation of file handling weaknesses.