CVE-2018-1115 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
postgresql before versions 10.4, 9.6.9 is vulnerable in the adminpack extension, the pg_catalog.pg_logfile_rotate() function doesn't follow the same ACLs than pg_rorate_logfile. If the adminpack is added to a database, an attacker able to connect to it could exploit this to force log rotation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1115 affects PostgreSQL database systems prior to versions 10.4 and 9.6.9, specifically within the adminpack extension. This issue stems from an inconsistent access control implementation between two related functions that manage database logging operations. The adminpack extension provides administrative functions for PostgreSQL databases, and when installed in a database, it exposes several administrative capabilities to users with appropriate privileges. The flaw manifests in the pg_catalog.pg_logfile_rotate() function which fails to enforce the same access control list (ACL) restrictions that apply to the pg_rotate_logfile function. This discrepancy creates a privilege escalation vector where unauthorized users can potentially manipulate database logging behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the PostgreSQL administrative extension mechanism and its handling of function permissions. When the adminpack extension is loaded into a database, it registers multiple functions including pg_logfile_rotate() and pg_rotate_logfile() within the pg_catalog schema. The pg_rotate_logfile function properly enforces database user permissions and requires specific administrative privileges to execute, while pg_logfile_rotate() does not perform the same access validation checks. This inconsistency allows an authenticated user with minimal privileges to invoke pg_logfile_rotate() and force a log rotation event, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to disrupt normal database operations and potentially access sensitive information. Forceful log rotation operations can be leveraged to manipulate log files, creating opportunities for information leakage through log content manipulation or to obscure malicious activities by triggering log rotation events. Attackers could exploit this to create log entries that might be used for further reconnaissance or to mask their activities within the database environment. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users have access to the same database and where proper privilege separation has not been implemented.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of affected PostgreSQL installations to versions 10.4 or 9.6.9, which contain the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should also implement proper database privilege management practices, ensuring that only authorized administrative users have access to the adminpack extension functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically focusing on insufficient access control for administrative functions within database systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068 Valid Accounts and T1070 Indicator Removal on Host, as attackers can manipulate log files to hide their activities. Additionally, this issue demonstrates poor least privilege implementation and highlights the importance of consistent access control enforcement across all database administrative functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their database environments to identify all instances of the adminpack extension and ensure proper access controls are in place for all administrative functions.