Description Preview
The Gentoo net-im/jabberd2 package through version 2.6.1 contains a security vulnerability where critical executable files (jabberd, jabberd2-c2s, jabberd2-router, jabberd2-s2s, and jabberd2-sm) are installed in /usr/bin with ownership set to the jabber account. This improper permission configuration allows local users who gain access to the jabber account to potentially modify these executables. When a root user subsequently executes any of these programs, the modified code would run with elevated privileges, resulting in privilege escalation.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2017-18225) is classified as CWE-732, which refers to incorrect permission assignment for critical resources. The issue affects the Gentoo net-im/jabberd2 package through version 2.6.1. The core problem is that executable files installed in /usr/bin are owned by the jabber user account rather than by root, which violates the principle of least privilege. An attacker who compromises the jabber account could modify these executables to contain malicious code. When a root user later runs these programs, the malicious code would execute with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability:
- Update to a patched version of the net-im/jabberd2 package if available.
- Change ownership of the affected executables to root:root using: chown root:root /usr/bin/jabberd /usr/bin/jabberd2-c2s /usr/bin/jabberd2-router /usr/bin/jabberd2-s2s /usr/bin/jabberd2-sm
- Ensure proper permissions are set (typically 755) using: chmod 755 /usr/bin/jabberd /usr/bin/jabberd2-c2s /usr/bin/jabberd2-router /usr/bin/jabberd2-s2s /usr/bin/jabberd2-sm
- Audit your system for any unauthorized modifications to these executables if you suspect the vulnerability may have been exploited.
- Consider implementing file integrity monitoring for critical system executables.
References
- Gentoo Bug Tracker: https://bugs.gentoo.org/629412
- CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/732.html
- MITRE CVE: CVE-2017-18225
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis 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.
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.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
