CVE-2016-1587 in Snapweb Interface
Summary
by MITRE
The Snapweb interface before version 0.21.2 was exposing controls to install or remove snap packages without controlling the identity of the user, nor the origin of the connection. An attacker could have used the controls to remotely add a valid, but malicious, snap package, from the Store, potentially using system resources without permission from the legitimate administrator of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1587 affects the Snapweb interface version 0.21.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the snap package management system. This issue stems from insufficient authentication and authorization controls within the web-based interface that manages snap packages on Ubuntu systems. The vulnerability exists in the Snapweb component which serves as a graphical user interface for managing snap packages, allowing users to install, remove, and configure snap applications directly through a web browser.
The technical flaw lies in the absence of proper identity verification mechanisms and connection origin validation within the Snapweb interface. When users access the interface, the system fails to authenticate the user's identity or verify the source of the connection request, creating an attack surface where unauthorized parties can exploit the interface to perform administrative actions. This lack of access control stems from the interface's design philosophy that assumes all connections are legitimate, without implementing proper security checks to validate user credentials or connection origins.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized package management operations on affected systems. An attacker could potentially install malicious snap packages from the Ubuntu software store, leveraging the exposed interface to gain unauthorized access to system resources. This capability extends beyond simple package installation to potentially include system compromise through malicious software deployment, resource exhaustion, or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor into the system's package management infrastructure, bypassing normal administrative controls.
The security implications align with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could potentially use the interface to execute commands through snap package installations. Additionally, it corresponds to T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, since the ability to install packages without proper authentication could lead to elevated system privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates how web-based administrative interfaces can become attack vectors when proper authentication controls are absent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Snapweb version 0.21.2 or later, which implements proper authentication mechanisms and connection validation. System administrators should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to the Snapweb interface, limiting it to trusted IP addresses or requiring VPN access. Additional security measures include implementing proper user authentication for web interface access, enabling HTTPS encryption, and regularly auditing access logs to detect unauthorized usage. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate package management interfaces from general network access, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. The fix addresses the core issue by implementing proper user identity verification and connection origin validation, ensuring that only authenticated administrators can perform package management operations through the web interface.