CVE-2017-14798 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
A race condition in the postgresql init script could be used by attackers able to access the postgresql account to escalate their privileges to root.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14798 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the postgresql init script execution environment. This race condition occurs during the initialization process of the postgresql service, creating a temporal window where malicious actors can exploit system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets systems where attackers have already established access to the postgresql user account, which serves as the initial foothold for the attack vector. The underlying issue stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the script execution flow, allowing for concurrent access patterns that can be manipulated by adversaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition scenario where multiple processes or threads attempt to access shared resources simultaneously without proper locking mechanisms. During postgresql service initialization, the script performs operations that create temporary files or modify system configurations that could be intercepted or manipulated by an attacker with postgresql account access. The flaw manifests when the init script creates temporary directories or files with predictable names and permissions, allowing the attacker to establish symbolic links or replace files before the script executes its intended operations. This temporal inconsistency enables the attacker to inject malicious code or manipulate the execution environment to achieve root privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14798 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the postgresql service environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete system control, enabling them to access all data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since the attacker only needs access to the postgresql account, which is often a standard requirement for database operations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where database access is granted to multiple users or where the postgresql account has been compromised through other means. The vulnerability affects various versions of postgresql installations where the init script lacks proper race condition protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14798 should focus on implementing proper synchronization mechanisms within the postgresql init scripts to prevent concurrent access issues. System administrators should ensure that temporary files and directories created during initialization use unique naming conventions and proper permission settings that prevent manipulation by unauthorized users. The recommended approach includes updating to patched versions of postgresql where race conditions have been addressed through improved locking mechanisms and atomic operations. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and using secure temporary directory configurations can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security controls should also include monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and ensuring that the postgresql user account has minimal required privileges to prevent lateral movement. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar race condition vulnerabilities in other system components and apply the principle of least privilege to limit the potential impact of such flaws. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362 which specifically addresses race conditions and corresponds to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics.