CVE-2017-2665 in MongoDB Skyring Database
Summary
by MITRE
The skyring-setup command creates random password for mongodb skyring database but it writes password in plain text to /etc/skyring/skyring.conf file which is owned by root but read by local user. Any local user who has access to system running skyring service will be able to get password in plain text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2665 resides within the skyring-setup command functionality that manages mongodb database configurations. This flaw represents a critical misconfiguration issue where the system generates a random password for the mongodb skyring database but fails to implement proper security controls during the password storage process. The password is written to a configuration file located at /etc/skyring/skyring.conf, which while owned by the root user, is accessible for reading by any local user account on the system. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of sensitive credentials within the system's configuration management process. The skyring-setup command performs its operations with elevated privileges to create the database password, yet it does not properly secure the storage location of this credential. The configuration file at /etc/skyring/skyring.conf is created with permissions that allow read access to local users, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that directly violates security best practices. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the storage of sensitive data in an unencrypted format that can be easily accessed by unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides any local user with the ability to extract database credentials without requiring elevated privileges or specialized tools. This creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious users or processes running on the same system, potentially leading to unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the system. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security of the entire skyring database infrastructure by making the authentication credentials readily available to any user who can execute commands on the system. Attackers could leverage this information to gain persistence, escalate privileges, or perform data manipulation attacks against the mongodb instance.
From an attack perspective this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003 - OS Credential Dumping, as it provides an easy method for extracting authentication credentials from the system configuration. The flaw also relates to T1078 - Valid Accounts, where attackers can leverage legitimate local accounts to access sensitive information. The configuration file's accessibility creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where local users can obtain database credentials and potentially move laterally within the network. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability does not require network access or external exploitation methods, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from within the system itself.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2665 should focus on implementing proper file access controls and credential management practices. The configuration file permissions should be adjusted to restrict read access to only the necessary system processes and users, typically requiring root or specific service accounts to access the sensitive information. The system should implement proper credential storage mechanisms such as encrypted configuration files or secure credential management systems. Additionally, the skyring-setup command should be updated to ensure that sensitive information is not written to easily accessible locations or that proper access controls are enforced immediately after credential generation. System administrators should conduct regular audits of configuration file permissions and implement monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive credential files. The implementation of these controls directly addresses the CWE-312 vulnerability and reduces the risk of unauthorized credential disclosure in the skyring database environment.