GLSA 201808-03: NetworkManager VPNC plugin: Privilege escalation

Severity:normal
Title:NetworkManager VPNC plugin: Privilege escalation
Date:08/22/2018
Bugs: #661712
ID:201808-03

Synopsis

A vulnerability in NetworkManager VPNC plugin allows local users to escalate privileges.

Background

NetworkManager is an universal network configuration daemon for laptops, desktops, servers and virtualization hosts.

The VPNC plugin provides easy access Cisco Concentrator based VPN’s utilizing NetworkManager.

Affected packages

Package Vulnerable Unaffected Architecture(s)
net-misc/networkmanager-vpnc < 1.2.6 >= 1.2.6 All supported architectures

Description

When initiating a VPNC connection, NetworkManager spawns a new vpnc process and passes the configuration via STDIN. By injecting a special character into a configuration parameter, an attacker can coerce NetworkManager to set the Password helper option to an attacker controlled executable file.

Impact

A local attacker is able to escalate privileges via a specially crafted configuration file.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All NetworkManager VPNC plugin users should upgrade to the latest version:

      # emerge --sync
      # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose
      ">=net-misc/networkmanager-vpnc-1.2.6"
    

References

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201808-03.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.

License

Copyright 2010 Gentoo Foundation, Inc; referenced text belongs to its owner(s). The contents of this document are licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike license.

Thank you!