CVE-2018-1460 in Netezza Platform Software
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Netezza Platform Software (IBM PureData System for Analytics 1.0.0) could allow a local user to modify a world writable file, which could be used to execute commands as root. IBM X-Force ID: 140211.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1460 affects IBM Netezza Platform Software, specifically within the IBM PureData System for Analytics version 1.0.0. This security flaw represents a critical local privilege escalation vulnerability that stems from improper file system permissions and inadequate access controls. The issue manifests when world-writable files exist within the system that should be restricted, creating an exploitable condition that allows local users to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables a low-privilege local user to modify critical system files that are accessible to all users, ultimately providing the attacker with root-level access to the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper configuration of file permissions within the IBM PureData System for Analytics environment. When files are set with world-writable permissions, any user with access to the system can modify these files, potentially allowing malicious code injection or privilege escalation attacks. This flaw aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment where security-critical resources are accessible to unauthorized users. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing unrestricted write access to system-critical components that should be protected from modification by non-privileged users.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1460 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise analytics environments. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. This type of attack can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in analytical environments where systems often process sensitive business data, financial information, and proprietary analytics. The vulnerability essentially removes the security boundary between regular users and system administrators, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass traditional access controls and gain complete control over the Netezza platform.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence. The local user can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access through command execution as root, potentially installing malicious software or modifying system configurations to maintain access. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a critical risk in environments where multiple users have local access to the system. The exploitability of this vulnerability is high because it requires no special privileges beyond local system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where user accounts might be compromised through other attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1460 should focus on immediate permission remediation and comprehensive system hardening. Organizations must conduct thorough audits of file permissions across all IBM PureData System for Analytics installations, ensuring that no world-writable files exist in critical system directories. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file permission controls, removing unnecessary world-writable permissions, and applying the principle of least privilege to all system components. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper system configuration management and regular security maintenance to prevent such critical access control failures.