CVE-2019-3694 in Fatory
Summary
by MITRE
A Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the packaging of munin in openSUSE Factory, Leap 15.1 allows local attackers to escalate from user munin to root. This issue affects: openSUSE Factory munin version 2.0.49-4.2 and prior versions. openSUSE Leap 15.1 munin version 2.0.40-lp151.1.1 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-3694 represents a symbolic link following weakness that exists within the munin monitoring package distribution in openSUSE Factory and Leap 15.1 operating systems. This issue manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges from the standard munin user account to the root administrative level. The flaw specifically impacts munin versions 2.0.49-4.2 and earlier in openSUSE Factory, as well as version 2.0.40-lp151.1.1 and earlier in openSUSE Leap 15.1, creating a persistent security risk across these widely deployed enterprise environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of symbolic links during the munin package installation and execution processes. When munin runs with elevated privileges to perform system monitoring tasks, it inadvertently follows symbolic links without adequate validation of their target paths. This behavior creates a path traversal condition where an attacker can manipulate symbolic links in the system to redirect execution to arbitrary files with higher privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race conditions, and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference in a privileged context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on munin for system monitoring and security operations. Local attackers who gain access to a user account with munin privileges can exploit this flaw to achieve complete system compromise, potentially gaining access to sensitive system files, network configurations, and administrative credentials. The vulnerability affects systems where munin is installed with root privileges for monitoring purposes, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where monitoring tools typically require elevated access to function effectively. This privilege escalation capability undermines the security model of the system by allowing attackers to bypass normal user account restrictions and gain unauthorized administrative access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the munin package available in openSUSE Factory and Leap 15.1 repositories, which address the symbolic link following vulnerability through proper path validation and link resolution mechanisms. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of munin installations to identify and remediate any manually configured symbolic links that might be vulnerable. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of insecure file handling in privileged processes. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper file system permissions, monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation activities, and maintaining regular security updates to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other system components.