Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation is a Medium risk vulnerability that is one of the most frequently found on networks around the world. This issue has been around since at least 1990 but has proven either difficult to detect, difficult to resolve or prone to being overlooked entirely.
| Vulnerability Name: | Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation |
|---|---|
| Test ID: | 13984 |
| Risk: | Medium |
| Category: | Web servers |
| Type: | Attack |
| Summary: | Multiple vulnerabilities have been found in Apache mod_suexec: * Multiple race conditions in suexec in Apache HTTP Server (httpd) 2.2.3 between directory and file validation, and their usage, allow local users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary code by renaming directories or performing symlink attacks. NOTE: the researcher, who is reliable, claims that the vendor disputes the issue because "the attacks described rely on an insecure server configuration" in which the user "has write access to the document root."* suexec in Apache HTTP Server (httpd) 2.2.3 uses a partial comparison for verifying whether the current directory is within the document root, which might allow local users to perform unauthorized operations on incorrect directories, as demonstrated using "html_backup" and "htmleditor" under an "html" directory. NOTE: the researcher, who is reliable, claims that the vendor disputes the issue because "the attacks described rely on an insecure server configuration" in which the user "has write access to the document root."* suexec in Apache HTTP Server (httpd) 2.2.3 does not verify combinations of user and group IDs on the command line, which might allow local users to leverage other vulnerabilities to create arbitrary UID/GID owned files if /proc is mounted. NOTE: the researcher, who is reliable, claims that the vendor disputes the issue because "the attacks described rely on an insecure server configuration" in which the user "has write access to the document root." In addition, because this is dependent on other vulnerabilities, perhaps this is resultant and should not be included in CVE. $OUTPUT |
| Impact: | The attacks described rely on an insecure server configuration in which the user has write access to the document root. |
| Solution: | Disable suexec or disallow users from writing to the document root. |
| CVE: | CVE-2007-1741, CVE-2007-1742, CVE-2007-1743 |
| More Information: | http://marc.info/?l=apache-httpd-dev&m=117511568709063&w=2 http://marc.info/?l=apache-httpd-dev&m=117511834512138&w=2 http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/23438/discuss ftp://ftp.netbsd.org/pub/pkgsrc/current/pkgsrc/www/apache24/README.html |
| Nist NVD (CVSS): | AV:L/AC:H/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C |
| CVSS Score: | 6.2 |
Scanning For and Finding Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation
Use of Vulnerability Management tools are standard practice for the discovery of this vulnerability. The primary failure of VA in finding this vulnerability is related to setting the proper scope and frequency of network scans. It is vital that the broadest range of hosts (active IPs) possible are scanned and that scanning is done frequently. We recommend weekly. Your existing scanning solution or set of test tools should make this not just possible, but easy and affordable.
Penetration Testing (pentest) for this Vulnerability
The Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation is prone to false positive reports by most vulnerability assessment solutions. AVDS is alone in using behavior based testing that eliminates this issue. For all other VA tools security consultants will recommend confirmation by direct observation. In any case Penetration testing procedures for discovery of Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation produces the highest discovery accuracy rate, but the infrequency of this expensive form of testing degrades its value. The ideal would be to have pentesting accuracy and the frequency and scope possibilities of VA solutions.
Security Updates on Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation
Given that this is one of the most frequently found vulnerabilities, there is ample information regarding mitigation online and very good reason to get it fixed. Hackers are also aware that this is a frequently found vulnerability and so its discovery and repair is that much more important. It is so well known and common that any network that has it present and unmitigated indicates "low hanging fruit" to attackers.
Patching/Repairing this Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation is a Medium risk vulnerability that is also high frequency and high visibility. This is the most severe combination of security factors that exists and it is extremely important to find it on your network and fix it as soon as possible.
Exploits related to Vulnerabilities in Apache mod_suexec Multiple Privilege Escalation
- https://vuldb.com/?id.36164
- https://www.exploit-db.com/papers/12906/
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/search/files/?q=kingcope