Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Incron Package
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2009-3589: incron 0.5.5 does not initialize supplementary groups when running a process from a user's incrontabs, which causes the process to be run with the incrond supplementary groups and allows local users to gain privileges vi... Affects incron versions < 0.5.7-1. Fixed in 0.5.7-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Incron is a daemon that allows users to monitor filesystem events and execute commands in response to those events. It is similar to cron but operates based on filesystem changes. The package is widely used in various Debian-based systems for automating tasks triggered by file changes. However, a vulnerability in versions prior to 0.5.7-1 has been identified, which can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3589 exists in incron version 0.5.5, where the software fails to initialize supplementary groups when executing processes from a user's incrontabs. This oversight allows local users to run processes with the supplementary groups of the incrond, potentially granting them elevated privileges. The issue arises from improper handling of user permissions, which can lead to significant security risks if exploited.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.5.7-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade incronTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit access to incrontab files and ensure that only trusted users can create or modify them. Additionally, monitoring user permissions and regularly auditing system logs can help mitigate potential exploitation.
Conclusion
The privilege escalation vulnerability in the incron package poses a significant risk to systems running affected versions. It is crucial to update to the latest version to safeguard against potential exploits. Users should also consider implementing workarounds to minimize risk until the update can be applied.
See every vulnerability recorded for incron →
FAQ
CVE-2009-3589 is a vulnerability in the incron package that allows local users to gain elevated privileges due to improper handling of supplementary groups.
Incron versions prior to 0.5.7-1 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can allow local users to execute commands with elevated privileges, potentially compromising system security.
Yes, you can restrict access to incrontab files and monitor user permissions as a temporary measure until the package can be updated.
References
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