CVE-2017-14483 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Gentoo dev-python/flower package before version 0.9.1-r1 for Celery Flower, where the ownership of the PID file is set to a non-root account, potentially enabling local users to terminate processes.

Understanding CVE-2017-14483

This CVE was published on September 15, 2017, by MITRE.

What is CVE-2017-14483?

The vulnerability in the Gentoo dev-python/flower package allows local users to exploit the non-root account's access to modify the PID file, leading to the termination of processes.

The Impact of CVE-2017-14483

The vulnerability could be exploited by local users to terminate arbitrary processes by manipulating the PID file before a root script executes a specific command.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-14483

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flower.initd script in the affected package sets the PID file ownership to a non-root account, potentially granting unauthorized users the ability to kill processes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: Before 0.9.1-r1

Exploitation Mechanism

Local users with access to the non-root account can modify the PID file before a root script executes a command, allowing them to terminate processes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2017-14483 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 0.9.1-r1 or later of the Gentoo dev-python/flower package.
Monitor and restrict access to PID files to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.
Regularly review and update file permissions and ownership.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the affected package and apply patches promptly.