CVE-2016-8656 in jbossas
Summary
by MITRE
Jboss jbossas before versions 5.2.0-23, 6.4.13, 7.0.5 is vulnerable to an unsafe file handling in the jboss init script which could result in local privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8656 represents a critical security flaw in the JBoss Application Server initialization scripts that affects multiple versions including 5.2.0-23, 6.4.13, and 7.0.5. This issue stems from improper file handling practices within the jboss init script that creates opportunities for local privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the way the initialization script manages temporary files and directory permissions during the server startup process, allowing malicious users with local access to potentially elevate their privileges to the root level or other elevated accounts.
The technical flaw manifests through unsafe temporary file creation and manipulation within the jboss init script execution environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating malicious symbolic links or files in predictable temporary locations that the script accesses during startup. This unsafe file handling pattern falls under the CWE-377 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses unsafe temporary file creation practices that can lead to privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level during the boot process when the application server initializes, making it accessible to any local user who can execute the init script or manipulate the environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running JBoss Application Server in production environments. The local privilege escalation capability means that even users with minimal system access can potentially gain root privileges, enabling them to execute arbitrary code, modify system files, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate privilege escalation as attackers can use the elevated privileges to compromise the entire system, access sensitive data, or disrupt service availability. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where the jboss service runs with elevated privileges during startup, creating a persistent attack surface that can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain local access through other means.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves a local user who can manipulate the temporary file system or predict the locations where the init script creates temporary files. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under the T1068 category, specifically targeting local system privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of JBoss Application Server, reviewing and hardening the init script permissions, implementing proper temporary file handling practices, and conducting comprehensive system audits to identify any exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that the jboss service runs with minimal required privileges and that proper file system permissions are enforced to prevent unauthorized access to temporary directories. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices in system initialization scripts and highlights the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure components.