CVE-2017-12189 in JBoss Enterprise Application Platform
Summary
by MITRE
It was discovered that the jboss init script as used in Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 7.0.7.GA performed unsafe file handling which could result in local privilege escalation. This issue is a result of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-8656.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12189 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within the jboss init script of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 7.0.7.GA. This security weakness stems from improper file handling practices that allow unprivileged users to gain elevated system privileges. The issue manifests through the init script's failure to properly manage temporary files and directory permissions during the application startup process, creating exploitable conditions that adversaries can leverage to execute arbitrary code with root-level privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure temporary file creation mechanisms employed by the jboss init script. Specifically, the script creates temporary files in world-writable directories without proper permission controls or atomic creation mechanisms. This design flaw enables malicious users to perform race condition attacks by creating symbolic links or replacing temporary files with malicious counterparts before the legitimate process executes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File Creation and CWE-276: Insecure Permissions, both of which are well-documented weaknesses in software security practices. The incomplete remediation of the earlier CVE-2016-8656 issue demonstrates a pattern of insufficient security review and testing in the patching process, allowing similar flaws to persist in subsequent releases.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12189 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target system. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to modify system files, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised server. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it attractive to attackers who may have initially gained access through other means such as web application vulnerabilities or weak authentication. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where jboss applications are commonly deployed as critical business applications, potentially providing attackers with access to sensitive business data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12189 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of proper file handling practices. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided security patches that address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper temporary file creation and permission management. Additionally, system administrators should implement restrictive file permissions on temporary directories and ensure that all init scripts properly validate and sanitize file operations. The remediation process should include comprehensive security reviews of all system init scripts and service management files to identify similar vulnerabilities. System hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns should be implemented as part of a layered defense strategy. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other system components. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper security testing and code review processes, particularly when addressing security patches to ensure that previous fixes do not introduce new exploitable conditions.