CVE-2023-29403 in Google
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
On Unix platforms, the Go runtime does not behave differently when a binary is run with the setuid/setgid bits. This can be dangerous in certain cases, such as when dumping memory state, or assuming the status of standard i/o file descriptors. If a setuid/setgid binary is executed with standard I/O file descriptors closed, opening any files can result in unexpected content being read or written with elevated privileges. Similarly, if a setuid/setgid program is terminated, either via panic or signal, it may leak the contents of its registers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-29403 represents a critical security flaw within the Go programming language runtime environment on Unix operating systems. This issue stems from the runtime's failure to properly differentiate between regular and privileged execution contexts when binaries are invoked with setuid or setgid permissions. The fundamental problem lies in how the Go runtime handles process privilege escalation scenarios, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Unix platforms where the Go runtime does not implement proper privilege-aware behavior when encountering setuid/setgid binaries, potentially leading to severe security implications across various system components and services that rely on Go-based implementations.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in two primary areas that directly impact system security. First, when setuid/setgid binaries are executed with standard input/output file descriptors closed, the runtime fails to properly handle file operations that might otherwise be restricted in privileged contexts. This creates a scenario where opening files during program execution could result in unintended data read or write operations occurring with elevated privileges, bypassing normal access controls and potentially exposing sensitive information or allowing unauthorized modifications to system files. Second, the vulnerability extends to process termination scenarios where the Go runtime does not properly clean up register contents when programs terminate through panic or signal handling mechanisms. This register leakage could expose sensitive data including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information that might be stored in memory registers during program execution, potentially allowing attackers to extract privileged information even after program termination.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation scenarios to encompass broader system integrity and confidentiality concerns. Attackers could exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized file system operations that would normally be restricted to privileged users, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or privilege escalation attacks. The memory state leakage during program termination creates additional attack surface where sensitive information could be harvested from memory registers, particularly in environments where cryptographic operations or authentication processes are handled by Go-based applications. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where Go applications are used in security-critical contexts such as system daemons, network services, or applications that handle sensitive data processing. The implications are especially severe in containerized environments or systems where setuid/setgid binaries are commonly deployed, as these scenarios provide multiple potential attack vectors for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-29403 require immediate attention and implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize updating their Go runtime environments to versions that address this specific privilege handling behavior, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes alone. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of setuid/setgid binaries within their environments to identify potential exposure points and implement proper privilege separation where possible. The implementation of additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, file system permissions, and process monitoring can help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file access patterns or memory access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and credential access, and addresses CWE-276 which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources. Organizations should also review their security policies and procedures to ensure proper handling of setuid/setgid binaries and implement least privilege principles for all system processes to minimize potential impact from such vulnerabilities.