CVE-2016-0764 in Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in Network Manager before 1.0.12 as packaged in Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 7, Red Hat Enterprise Linux HPC Node 7, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 7, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux Workstation 7 allows local users to obtain sensitive connection information by reading temporary files during ifcfg and keyfile changes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0764 represents a critical race condition within the Network Manager component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. This flaw exists in versions prior to 1.0.12 and affects multiple server and workstation variants including Desktop 7, HPC Node 7, Server 7, and Workstation 7. The race condition manifests during the processing of network configuration changes through ifcfg and keyfile operations, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit temporal inconsistencies in file handling procedures. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-362 category of race conditions, specifically representing a timing vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to sensitive information through improper file management during network configuration updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of temporary files during network configuration modifications. When Network Manager processes changes to network connections through ifcfg or keyfile formats, it creates temporary files that contain sensitive connection information including authentication credentials, passwords, and other confidential network parameters. The race condition occurs because these temporary files are created without proper synchronization mechanisms, allowing local users to access these files before they are properly secured or deleted. This temporal inconsistency creates a window where unauthorized processes can read the temporary files and extract sensitive data that should only be accessible to authorized system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to network authentication credentials and connection parameters that could enable further compromise of the system. Local users with minimal privileges can exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive connection information without requiring elevated permissions or complex attack vectors. The extracted information could include usernames, passwords, encryption keys, and other credentials necessary for network access, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent network connections or move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where network security is paramount and unauthorized access to connection information could lead to significant security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0764 should focus on immediate system updates and implementation of proper file handling procedures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Network Manager version 1.0.12 or later, which includes fixes for the race condition. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper file permissions and access controls for temporary network configuration files, ensuring that sensitive data is not exposed during the configuration change process. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging and T1566.001 for credential access, emphasizing the importance of proper file handling and privilege separation. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to temporary network files and establish regular audits of network configuration processes to identify potential race condition vulnerabilities.