CVE-2017-10708 in Apport
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Apport through 2.20.x. In apport/report.py, Apport sets the ExecutablePath field and it then uses the path to run package specific hooks without protecting against path traversal. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .crash file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10708 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Apport crash reporting system version 2.20.x and earlier. This issue resides in the apport/report.py module where the system improperly handles the ExecutablePath field during crash report processing. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to manipulate file paths through crafted crash files. The vulnerability specifically affects the execution of package-specific hooks, which are designed to gather additional diagnostic information when applications crash. When Apport processes a malicious .crash file, it blindly accepts the ExecutablePath value and subsequently executes hooks using this path without proper path traversal protection. This design flaw creates a direct code execution vector that remote attackers can leverage to run arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of Apport.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with common path traversal attack methodologies. The flaw operates under CWE-22, which categorizes path traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation that permit access to unintended resources. Attackers craft malicious .crash files containing specially formatted ExecutablePath values that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.. This manipulation allows the system to execute hooks from unintended locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Apport process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require local system access or user interaction, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited through network-based attacks against systems running vulnerable Apport versions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and integrity across Linux distributions that utilize Apport for crash reporting. The exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the Apport service, which typically has access to system resources and diagnostic information. The vulnerability affects the core crash reporting functionality of Ubuntu and other Debian-based systems, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive information. The attack surface is broad since Apport is commonly enabled on desktop and server systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments. Organizations relying on automated crash reporting systems face increased risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, as the vulnerability can be triggered through various network-based attack vectors.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10708 primarily involve updating to patched versions of Apport where proper input validation and path traversal protection have been implemented. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to systems running Apport, disabling unnecessary crash reporting features when not required, and establishing monitoring for suspicious .crash file creation or modification. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security-critical components, particularly those that handle user-supplied data and execute system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code and establish robust file system access controls to prevent unauthorized path traversal operations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user-supplied inputs in security-sensitive applications and implementing proper access controls to prevent privilege escalation attacks.