CVE-2018-10904 in glusterfs Server
Summary
by MITRE
It was found that glusterfs server does not properly sanitize file paths in the "trusted.io-stats-dump" extended attribute which is used by the "debug/io-stats" translator. Attacker can use this flaw to create files and execute arbitrary code. To exploit this attacker would require sufficient access to modify the extended attributes of files on a gluster volume.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10904 resides within the glusterfs distributed file system implementation, specifically affecting the server-side processing of extended attributes. This flaw manifests in the improper sanitization of file paths within the "trusted.io-stats-dump" extended attribute, which serves as a mechanism for the debug/io-stats translator to collect and report I/O statistics. The issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that can be exploited to manipulate file system operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through manipulated file paths. The flaw exists because the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate extended attribute values to influence file creation and execution behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the glusterfs server's insufficient validation of extended attribute values when processing the "trusted.io-stats-dump" attribute. When an attacker modifies this extended attribute with maliciously crafted path references, the server processes these values without adequate sanitization, allowing for directory traversal sequences that can create files in unintended locations or execute code in contexts where such operations should be prohibited. The exploitation requires an attacker to possess sufficient privileges to modify extended attributes on files within a gluster volume, which typically means they must have write access to the volume or specific file permissions that allow attribute modification. This requirement places the vulnerability in the context of privilege escalation and lateral movement scenarios where attackers have already established a foothold within the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because extended attributes are often used for system-level operations and can be manipulated through various legitimate system interfaces, making detection more challenging.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10904 extends beyond simple path traversal, as it enables arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of file system operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create malicious files in system directories, potentially establishing persistent backdoors or executing malicious payloads that compromise the integrity of the entire distributed file system. The vulnerability affects systems using glusterfs versions that implement the debug/io-stats translator, making it relevant to organizations deploying distributed storage solutions that rely on this technology for data management and access control. Organizations running glusterfs servers without proper access controls or privilege restrictions are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, as the attack vector requires only attribute modification capabilities rather than root privileges. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in multi-tenant environments or systems where multiple users have write access to shared volumes, as a single compromised user account could potentially enable widespread system compromise. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that can lead to broader security implications within the storage infrastructure, potentially affecting data confidentiality and integrity across the entire glusterfs deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10904 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of extended attribute values within the glusterfs server implementation. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the improper path sanitization in the debug/io-stats translator module. Access controls should be strengthened to limit the ability to modify extended attributes, particularly the "trusted.io-stats-dump" attribute, through mandatory access controls or role-based permissions that restrict attribute modification to authorized system administrators. Network segmentation and monitoring of extended attribute modifications should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, with security information and event management systems configured to alert on suspicious attribute changes. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege controls to ensure that only necessary users or processes have the ability to modify extended attributes on gluster volumes, reducing the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. Regular security audits of extended attribute usage patterns and file system access controls should be conducted to identify potential misuse or unauthorized modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing extended attribute monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed by the glusterfs server components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in system-level software components that interact with file system operations and extended attribute mechanisms.