CVE-2016-6299 in mock
Summary
by MITRE
The scm plug-in in mock might allow attackers to bypass the intended chroot protection mechanism and gain root privileges via a crafted spec file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6299 resides within the scm plug-in of the mock build system, which is widely used for creating isolated environments for software compilation and packaging. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental isolation mechanisms designed to protect system integrity. The mock tool operates by creating chroot environments to contain build processes, preventing them from accessing or modifying system resources outside their designated boundaries. However, this particular vulnerability allows malicious actors to circumvent these protective measures through carefully constructed input.
The technical flaw manifests in how the scm plug-in processes spec files, which are configuration documents that define how software packages should be built and installed. When mock encounters a spec file containing maliciously crafted directives or references, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before executing operations within the chroot environment. This oversight creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker can manipulate the build process to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically exploits weaknesses in the input validation mechanisms that should prevent access to restricted system paths or operations during package building.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the entire build infrastructure. Organizations relying on mock for software packaging and distribution face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited, as attackers can potentially gain root access to build servers and compromise the integrity of the entire software supply chain. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate build processes, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected within the system. This vulnerability affects not only individual systems but also organizations that depend on mock for automated build pipelines and continuous integration environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6299 should focus on immediate patching of affected mock versions and implementation of additional input validation controls. Organizations should ensure that all spec files are properly sanitized before being processed by mock, with particular attention to path traversal sequences and symbolic link manipulations. The solution aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE catalog under CWE-22 for Path Traversal and CWE-78 for Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Injection. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege configurations and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying runtime protection mechanisms and regular security audits of build environments to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of software distribution processes.