CVE-2016-2288 in DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
Cogent DataHub before 7.3.10 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging the user or guest role to modify a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2288 affects Cogent DataHub versions prior to 7.3.10 and represents a significant local privilege escalation issue that exploits insufficient access controls within the system. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern user roles and file system permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors with minimal privileges to elevate their access level. The flaw stems from improper validation of user permissions when attempting to modify system files, allowing users assigned to the standard user or guest roles to bypass expected security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's file modification routines where the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has adequate privileges to perform the requested file operations. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement, which can be categorized under CWE-284 - Improper Access Control. The vulnerability occurs because the system does not adequately validate the user's role membership or permissions before executing file modification operations, creating a condition where unauthorized modifications can occur.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to system integrity and security posture. Local users who have been granted only user or guest privileges can exploit this flaw to modify critical system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple file corruption as attackers could modify configuration files, system binaries, or security-related components to establish persistent access or disable security controls. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a method for local users to escalate their privileges through system file manipulation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished by a user with basic system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where guest or standard user accounts are prevalent. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify system configurations, install backdoors, or corrupt system files to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by the fact that it operates at the local level, meaning that an attacker who has already gained access to a user account can use this flaw to escalate privileges without requiring additional attack vectors or remote exploitation capabilities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Cogent DataHub version 7.3.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the access control bypass. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive reviews of user roles and permissions to ensure that unnecessary access is removed and that the principle of least privilege is enforced. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized file modifications, particularly those involving critical system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for regular security assessments of authentication mechanisms to prevent similar issues from arising in other systems.