CVE-2018-19639 in Supportutils
Summary
by MITRE
If supportutils before version 3.1-5.7.1 is run with -v to perform rpm verification and the attacker manages to manipulate the rpm listing (e.g. with CVE-2018-19638) he can execute arbitrary commands as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19639 represents a critical command injection flaw within the supportutils utility, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.1-5.7.1. This issue arises when the utility is executed with the verbose flag -v, which triggers rpm verification operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of rpm listing data, creating a path for malicious command execution. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows privilege escalation to root level access, making it a severe concern for system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the supportutils utility's handling of rpm verification output, where the tool processes rpm listing information to perform system checks. When the -v flag is used, the utility executes rpm commands with potentially untrusted output from rpm listing operations. An attacker who can manipulate the rpm listing data through related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2018-19638 can inject malicious commands that get executed with root privileges. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19639 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control through the execution of arbitrary commands. The vulnerability can be exploited in environments where supportutils is frequently used for system diagnostics, particularly in enterprise settings where this tool is part of standard support procedures. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve broader system compromise.
The security implications align with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where the system's legitimate administrative tools become attack vectors. Organizations using supportutils in their standard operating procedures face significant risk, especially when the utility is executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in system administration tools. Mitigation strategies include updating supportutils to version 3.1-5.7.1 or later, implementing proper input sanitization measures, and restricting execution privileges for administrative utilities to minimize potential damage from such exploits.