CVE-2018-17957 in Repository Mirroring Tool
Summary
by MITRE
The YaST2 RMT module for configuring the SUSE Repository Mirroring Tool (RMT) before 1.1.2 exposed MySQL database passwords on process commandline, allowing local attackers to access or corrupt the RMT database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17957 affects the YaST2 RMT module in SUSE's Repository Mirroring Tool, specifically impacting versions prior to 1.1.2. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in how database credentials are handled during the configuration process. The issue manifests when MySQL database passwords are inadvertently passed as command-line arguments to processes, creating an exposure vector that local attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the repository mirroring system's database infrastructure. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the RMT database, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious operations against the mirrored repositories.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive information within the command-line interface of the YaST2 RMT module. When administrators configure repository mirroring settings, the module constructs command-line invocations that include database password parameters directly in the process arguments. This practice violates fundamental security principles for credential management and exposes sensitive authentication data to processes that can enumerate command-line parameters. The flaw aligns with CWE-256, which addresses the exposure of passwords or other sensitive information, and represents a specific instance of CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive data through improper handling of credentials in process arguments. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent risk for systems running affected versions of SUSE RMT, as any local user with access to the system can potentially retrieve these passwords through standard process enumeration techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17957 extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass potential data corruption and unauthorized access to mirrored repositories. Attackers who successfully extract the database passwords can gain full administrative access to the RMT database, enabling them to manipulate repository configurations, modify mirrored content, or even delete critical repository data. This exposure compromises the integrity of the software distribution infrastructure that organizations rely upon for maintaining consistent and secure software updates across their networks. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points through the compromised database, potentially enabling them to modify repository metadata or inject malicious packages into the mirrored repositories. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts through compromised credentials, and T1566.001, concerning the use of valid accounts to access network resources.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to YaST2 RMT version 1.1.2 or later, which addresses the command-line credential exposure issue through improved credential handling mechanisms. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of running processes to identify any instances where database passwords might still be exposed in command-line arguments, and implement process monitoring to detect potential credential leaks. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local system access, configuring audit trails to monitor process execution, and establishing automated scanning procedures to identify similar credential exposure vulnerabilities in other system components. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating security policies to ensure that sensitive information is never passed through command-line arguments and that proper credential management practices are enforced across all system administration tools.