CVE-2016-6322 in QuickStart Cloud Installer
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat QuickStart Cloud Installer (QCI) uses world-readable permissions for /etc/qci/answers, which allows local users to obtain the root password for the deployed system by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6322 affects Red Hat QuickStart Cloud Installer, a tool designed to automate the deployment of cloud environments. This issue stems from improper file permission configuration where the /etc/qci/answers file is created with world-readable permissions, exposing sensitive authentication credentials to unauthorized local users. The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes inadequate permissions for critical security resources, specifically highlighting the failure to properly restrict file access controls. The security flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where administrative credentials are unnecessarily accessible to all users on the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows any local user to read the /etc/qci/answers file directly from the filesystem, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. This file contains critical system credentials including the root password required for deployed systems, creating a significant privilege escalation vector. The flaw exists because the installer process does not enforce proper file access controls during the creation of sensitive configuration files, resulting in a default permission set that permits read access for all users. Attackers can exploit this by simply executing a file read operation against the specified path, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques or additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with direct administrative access to deployed cloud environments. Once an attacker obtains the root password, they can execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access through the compromised system. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of automated deployment environments and can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to cloud infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation opportunities are exploited by malicious users with legitimate access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6322 should focus on implementing proper file access controls and privilege management. The primary fix involves ensuring that sensitive configuration files like /etc/qci/answers are created with restrictive permissions, typically limiting access to the root user only through chmod 600 or equivalent operations. System administrators should also implement regular permission audits to identify and correct similar issues across other sensitive files and directories. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses legitimate credentials and privilege escalation. Organizations should consider implementing automated security scanning tools to detect improper file permissions and establish security policies that enforce secure default configurations for all system components. Additionally, regular security training for system administrators should emphasize proper permission management and the importance of protecting sensitive credential files.