CVE-2016-20015:Race condition in SmokePing ebuild package allows privilege escalation from smokeping user to root

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A vulnerability exists in the SmokePing ebuild package through version 2.7.3-r1 on Gentoo Linux systems. The initscript contains a race condition vulnerability involving /var/lib/smokeping and chown operations. This flaw allows the smokeping user to gain ownership of arbitrary files on the system, which can be leveraged to escalate privileges and gain root access. The vulnerability stems from improper file handling in the initialization script that fails to properly secure file operations.

Overview

This vulnerability affects Gentoo Linux systems with the SmokePing monitoring software installed via the ebuild package (up to version 2.7.3-r1). SmokePing is a network latency measurement tool commonly used for monitoring. The issue lies in the initscript that runs with elevated privileges during system startup. Due to a race condition in how the script handles file ownership changes, the smokeping user can manipulate the process to take ownership of arbitrary files. By targeting critical system files, an attacker with smokeping user access could elevate their privileges to root, completely compromising the system. This represents a significant local privilege escalation vulnerability that could be exploited by users with limited access to gain complete control of affected systems.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, system administrators should take the following actions:

  1. Update the SmokePing package to a version that contains the fix (if available)
  2. Apply the patch referenced in Gentoo bug #602652
  3. As a temporary mitigation, review and modify permissions on the /var/lib/smokeping directory to prevent exploitation
  4. Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity involving the smokeping user
  5. Consider implementing additional access controls to limit the smokeping user's capabilities
  6. Regularly audit system permissions, especially for services running with elevated privileges
  7. Follow the principle of least privilege for all service accounts

References

  1. Gentoo Bug Tracker: https://bugs.gentoo.org/602652
  2. SmokePing Official Documentation: https://oss.oetiker.ch/smokeping/
  3. Gentoo Security Advisories: https://security.gentoo.org/
  4. MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2016-20015

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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