CVE-2024-1724 in snap
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2024
In snapd versions prior to 2.62, when using AppArmor for enforcement of sandbox permissions, snapd failed to restrict writes to the $HOME/bin path. In Ubuntu, when this path exists, it is automatically added to the users PATH. An attacker who could convince a user to install a malicious snap which used the 'home' plug could use this vulnerability to install arbitrary scripts into the users PATH which may then be run by the user outside of the expected snap sandbox and hence allow them to escape confinement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1724 represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in snapd versions prior to 2.62 that specifically affects systems utilizing AppArmor for confinement enforcement. This issue stems from insufficient path restrictions within the snap package management system's security model, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through manipulation of the user's execution environment. The flaw exists in the way snapd handles the home plug interface, which is designed to provide snaps with access to user home directories while maintaining security boundaries.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in snapd's failure to properly enforce write restrictions on the $HOME/bin directory path when AppArmor policies are in place. This directory is automatically incorporated into the user's PATH environment variable in Ubuntu systems, making it a critical attack vector for privilege escalation. When a malicious snap is installed with the home plug enabled, an attacker can place executable scripts in the user's $HOME/bin directory, which will then be executed with the user's privileges whenever invoked through the command line. This bypasses the intended sandbox boundaries that snapd should maintain, allowing malicious code to execute outside of the confined snap environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute arbitrary code with elevated user privileges, potentially leading to further lateral movement within the system or access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate system functionality - the automatic PATH inclusion of $HOME/bin - to create an unexpected execution pathway. This attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond installing a malicious snap, making it particularly effective in social engineering scenarios where users might be tricked into installing seemingly legitimate software.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient access control mechanisms can be exploited to bypass security boundaries established by confinement technologies. Organizations using snapd versions prior to 2.62 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the latest stable release, monitoring for unauthorized snap installations, and reviewing existing snap configurations to ensure proper plug and slot permissions. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring of the $HOME/bin directory for unexpected executable files and conducting regular security audits of installed snaps to prevent exploitation of this and similar confinement bypass vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability highlights the complexity of modern containerization and confinement systems, where seemingly minor configuration gaps can create significant security risks. The issue underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing of system components that handle user privilege boundaries and demonstrates why continuous security assessment of core system utilities is essential for maintaining robust security postures.