CVE-2017-10140 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-10140 affecting Postfix versions prior to 2.11.10, 3.0.x before 3.0.10, 3.1.x before 3.1.6, and 3.2.x before 3.2.2, allowing local users to gain elevated privileges. Find mitigation steps here.
Postfix versions prior to 2.11.10, 3.0.x before 3.0.10, 3.1.x before 3.1.6, and 3.2.x before 3.2.2 have a vulnerability that can be exploited by local users to gain elevated privileges.
Understanding CVE-2017-10140
This CVE involves a potential vulnerability in Postfix versions that could allow local users to escalate their privileges.
What is CVE-2017-10140?
Postfix versions before 2.11.10, 3.0.x before 3.0.10, 3.1.x before 3.1.6, and 3.2.x before 3.2.2 have a security issue related to Berkeley DB, allowing local users to gain elevated privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2017-10140
The vulnerability enables local users to exploit undisclosed features in Berkeley DB, specifically related to reading settings from DB_CONFIG in the directory where the program is executed.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-10140
Postfix versions are affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability due to undisclosed functionality in Berkeley DB.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges by leveraging the undisclosed features in Berkeley DB, specifically related to reading settings from DB_CONFIG in the current directory.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Postfix versions prior to 2.11.10
- Postfix 3.0.x before 3.0.10
- Postfix 3.1.x before 3.1.6
- Postfix 3.2.x before 3.2.2
Exploitation Mechanism
Local users can exploit the vulnerability by utilizing the undisclosed functionality in Berkeley DB to read settings from DB_CONFIG in the directory where the program is running.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-10140, follow these steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Postfix to versions 2.11.10, 3.0.10, 3.1.6, or 3.2.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Restrict access to sensitive directories to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the issue.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit system logs for any unusual activities.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Postfix to address the vulnerability.