CVE-2024-5290 in wpa_supplicant
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
An issue was discovered in Ubuntu wpa_supplicant that resulted in loading of arbitrary shared objects, which allows a local unprivileged attacker to escalate privileges to the user that wpa_supplicant runs as (usually root).
Membership in the netdev group or access to the dbus interface of wpa_supplicant allow an unprivileged user to specify an arbitrary path to a module to be loaded by the wpa_supplicant process; other escalation paths might exist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5290 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Ubuntu wpa_supplicant implementation that directly undermines system security boundaries. This issue stems from improper validation of module loading mechanisms within the wireless authentication daemon, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The wpa_supplicant service typically operates with root privileges to manage network authentication processes, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows unprivileged users to potentially gain administrative control over the system. The flaw specifically manifests when the service loads shared libraries from user-specified paths without adequate sanitization or access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the module loading process via the dbus interface or by leveraging membership in the netdev group, which provides access to the service's communication channels. When an attacker can influence the path resolution of shared objects loaded by wpa_supplicant, they can substitute legitimate libraries with malicious counterparts that execute arbitrary code upon loading. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, where the application searches for modules in predictable locations without proper validation of the source or integrity of the loaded components. The flaw essentially creates a directory traversal or path injection scenario within the module loading mechanism, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that are then loaded by the privileged process.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5290 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire network security infrastructures. Since wpa_supplicant manages wireless network authentication, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to manipulate network connections, potentially intercepting or modifying wireless traffic. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be executed by any user with basic system access. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor opportunity where attackers can maintain access even after initial exploitation, as the compromised service continues to run with elevated privileges. Additionally, the attack can be automated through scripts that manipulate the dbus interface or exploit the netdev group membership to load malicious modules.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5290 should focus on restricting access to the wpa_supplicant dbus interface and limiting group memberships that provide access to the service. System administrators should immediately review and tighten access controls for the netdev group, ensuring that only trusted users have membership. The dbus access policies should be configured to restrict module loading capabilities to privileged users only, preventing arbitrary path specification. Network administrators should also consider implementing mandatory access controls through SELinux or AppArmor to prevent the loading of unauthorized shared libraries. Regular system updates and patch management are essential as Ubuntu has released fixes for this vulnerability, and organizations should ensure immediate deployment of these security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege in service design, where applications should never load modules from user-controllable paths without extensive validation and sanitization, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.