CVE-2018-15912 in manjaro-system
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in manjaro-update-system.sh in manjaro-system 20180716-1 on Manjaro Linux. A local attacker can install or remove arbitrary packages and package repositories potentially containing hooks with arbitrary code, which will automatically be run as root, or remove packages vital to the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2023
This vulnerability exists in the manjaro-update-system.sh script within the manjaro-system package version 20180716-1 on Manjaro Linux distributions. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the update system's execution flow. A local attacker with minimal system access can manipulate package installations and repository configurations through this vulnerable script, creating a significant security risk that directly impacts system integrity and confidentiality.
The technical flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability where the script executes with root privileges while failing to properly validate user inputs or sanitize package repository configurations. This allows an attacker to inject malicious package repositories or manipulate existing ones, enabling the automatic execution of arbitrary code through package hooks. The vulnerability operates at the system-level update mechanism, bypassing normal security controls that would typically prevent unauthorized package modifications. The script's design does not implement proper access controls or input sanitization, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with persistent access to execute malicious code with root privileges. Once exploited, an attacker can install malicious packages that contain backdoors, rootkits, or other persistent threat components that automatically execute during system operations. The vulnerability also enables attackers to remove critical system packages, potentially causing system instability or complete system compromise. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for long-term system infiltration and data exfiltration, affecting the overall security posture of Manjaro Linux installations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected manjaro-system package to version 20180716-2 or later, which includes proper input validation and privilege separation mechanisms. System administrators should implement additional security controls including mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, and regular security audits of package management systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through local exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing package signing verification, restricting package repository access, and deploying endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious package installation activities. The remediation process must include comprehensive system integrity checks to ensure no malicious modifications have occurred during the exploitation window.