Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Bubblewrap: CVE-2016-8659
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2016-8659: Bubblewrap before 0.1.3 sets the PR_SET_DUMPABLE flag, which might allow local users to gain privileges by attaching to the process, as demonstrated by sending commands to a PrivSep socket. Affects bubblewrap versions < 0.1.2-2. Fixed in 0.1.2-2. How to fix ↓
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Background
Bubblewrap is a lightweight tool designed for creating unprivileged sandbox environments for applications. It allows users to run applications in a confined space, limiting their access to the system resources. This package is widely used in containerization and application isolation. However, prior to version 0.1.3, Bubblewrap had a critical vulnerability that could allow local users to gain elevated privileges.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-8659, arises from Bubblewrap setting the PR_SET_DUMPABLE flag before version 0.1.3. This flag allows local users to attach to the process, potentially leading to privilege escalation. Attackers could exploit this flaw by sending commands to a PrivSep socket, thereby gaining unauthorized access to system resources and sensitive data.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.1.2-2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade bubblewrapTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can restrict access to the Bubblewrap executable or limit the permissions of users who can run it. This can be done by modifying the file permissions using the command: 'chmod 700 /usr/bin/bubblewrap'. However, this does not fully mitigate the risk and should only be considered until the package is updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2016-8659 represents a significant security risk for users of Bubblewrap versions prior to 0.1.3. It is crucial to update to the latest version to protect against potential privilege escalation attacks. Additionally, consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in your software.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-8659 is a vulnerability in Bubblewrap that allows local users to escalate privileges by attaching to the process due to improper handling of the PR_SET_DUMPABLE flag.
You can check your version of Bubblewrap by running 'bubblewrap --version' in your terminal. If it is below 0.1.3, it is affected by this vulnerability.
If left unaddressed, this vulnerability could allow malicious users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources, potentially leading to further exploitation.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can also check your application against vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
If an immediate update is not possible, implement the suggested workaround by restricting access to the Bubblewrap executable until you can apply the necessary updates.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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