CVE-2022-4641 in pig-vector
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2022
A vulnerability was found in pig-vector and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is the function LogisticRegression of the file src/main/java/org/apache/mahout/pig/LogisticRegression.java. The manipulation leads to insecure temporary file. The attack needs to be approached locally. The name of the patch is 1e7bd9fab5401a2df18d2eabd802adcf0dcf1f15. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-216500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4641 represents a critical security flaw within the Apache Mahout pig-vector component that specifically targets the LogisticRegression function implementation. This issue manifests in the form of insecure temporary file handling within the src/main/java/org/apache/mahout/pig/LogisticRegression.java file, creating a significant attack surface for local privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-327 weakness category, specifically addressing insecure temporary file creation practices that can be exploited by malicious actors with local system access. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate temporary file creation processes, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation within the affected system environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access, meaning that an attacker must already have some level of access to the target system before they can leverage this weakness. The insecure temporary file handling occurs during the LogisticRegression function execution, where the application creates temporary files without proper security controls. This creates opportunities for attackers to perform race condition attacks or file replacement attacks against the temporary files, potentially allowing them to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level within the application's execution context, making it difficult to detect through standard network-based monitoring systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4641 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of data processed by the affected Mahout applications. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to modify or replace temporary files used by the LogisticRegression function, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or complete system compromise. The attack vector is specifically local, which means that the vulnerability is less likely to be exploited remotely but remains dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where attackers have already established a foothold through other means. Organizations running Apache Mahout applications with pig-vector components are particularly at risk, especially in environments where multiple users have local access to the system.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the specific patch identified by the commit hash 1e7bd9fab5401a2df18d2eabd802adcf0dcf1f15, which addresses the insecure temporary file creation mechanism within the LogisticRegression function. Security teams should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems and conduct thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper file system permissions and monitoring controls around temporary file directories to limit potential exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, as the insecure temporary file handling could enable attackers to execute malicious code through file manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.