Description Preview
The Gentoo net-im/jabberd2 package through version 2.6.1 contains a security vulnerability where the /var/run/jabber directory is owned by the jabber account. This improper permissions setting allows local users with access to the jabber account to modify PID files. When root scripts execute commands like "kill -TERM `cat /var/run/jabber/filename.pid`", attackers can manipulate these PID files to target and terminate arbitrary processes on the system.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2017-18226) is classified as CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource. The issue affects the Gentoo net-im/jabberd2 package through version 2.6.1. By setting the ownership of /var/run/jabber to the jabber account instead of restricting it to root, the package creates a security weakness. Users with access to the jabber account can modify PID files in this directory. When system scripts run as root execute commands that read these PID files to determine which processes to terminate, attackers can manipulate the process IDs to kill arbitrary processes on the system, potentially causing denial of service or other system disruptions.
Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability:
- Update to a patched version of the net-im/jabberd2 package if available.
- Change the ownership of /var/run/jabber directory to root:jabber.
- Modify permissions to ensure the jabber user cannot modify PID files.
- Review and update any scripts that use PID files from this directory to validate the contents before acting on them.
- Consider implementing more secure process management techniques that don't rely on reading PID files from user-accessible directories.
- Monitor system logs for unexpected process terminations that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.
References
- Gentoo Bug Tracker: https://bugs.gentoo.org/631068
- CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/732.html
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
