CVE-2024-29083 in Distribution for Python Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Incorrect default permissions in some Intel(R) Distribution for Python software before version 2024.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29083 affects Intel(R) Distribution for Python software versions prior to 2024.2, presenting a critical security weakness that stems from improper default permission settings within the software ecosystem. This flaw specifically impacts systems where the distribution is installed with default configurations, creating an environment where authenticated users can potentially exploit local access privileges to escalate their system permissions. The issue manifests in the way the software handles file and directory permissions during installation and runtime operations, creating unintended access vectors that could be leveraged by malicious actors with legitimate user credentials.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the software's default permission model which fails to properly enforce least privilege principles during installation and operation. When Intel Distribution for Python is installed with default settings, certain system directories and configuration files are created with overly permissive access controls that allow authenticated users to modify critical system components or access sensitive data. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where a user with basic system access can potentially gain elevated privileges through manipulation of these improperly protected resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local system level, meaning that any authenticated user who can access the system locally could potentially exploit this flaw without requiring additional network-based attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Intel Distribution for Python, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially compromise entire networks. The local privilege escalation capability means that even if an attacker initially gains access through a low-privilege account, they could use this vulnerability to elevate their privileges to administrative levels, thereby gaining full control over affected systems. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where a single compromised account could lead to widespread system compromise, especially in environments where multiple users have legitimate access to the same systems. The vulnerability affects the software's ability to maintain proper security boundaries and could potentially allow for data exfiltration, system modification, or further attack propagation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating to Intel Distribution for Python version 2024.2 or later, which contains the necessary permission fixes. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing installations to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and implement proper access controls for directories created by the software. The mitigation strategy should include reviewing and tightening default permission settings for all system directories and files associated with the distribution, implementing proper monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their required tasks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276 which addresses improper permissions and access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring and privilege access reviews to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper permission management in software distribution packages, particularly those that are widely used in enterprise environments. It highlights how seemingly minor configuration issues in default installations can create significant security risks that persist across multiple systems and potentially compromise entire organizations. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly broad as it affects all systems where the vulnerable software is installed, making it essential for security teams to conduct comprehensive assessments of their infrastructure. This vulnerability also underscores the need for continuous security monitoring and regular software updates as part of a comprehensive security posture, since such issues often remain undetected for extended periods. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure that security updates are deployed promptly across all affected systems.