CVE-2019-10167 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact of CVE-2019-10167, a high-severity vulnerability in Libvirt API versions 4.x.x before 4.10.1 and 5.x.x before 5.4.1, allowing unauthorized users to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Learn how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
Libvirt API, specifically the virConnectGetDomainCapabilities() function, has a vulnerability in versions 4.x.x before 4.10.1 and 5.x.x before 5.4.1 that allows read-only clients to execute malicious code with libvirtd privileges.
Understanding CVE-2019-10167
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Libvirt API that could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
What is CVE-2019-10167?
The vulnerability in the Libvirt API versions 4.x.x before 4.10.1 and 5.x.x before 5.4.1 allows read-only clients to manipulate the "emulatorbin" argument, leading to the execution of malicious code with the permissions of libvirtd.
The Impact of CVE-2019-10167
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: Low
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Scope: Changed
- This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows unauthorized users to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-10167
The technical details of the vulnerability in Libvirt API versions 4.x.x before 4.10.1 and 5.x.x before 5.4.1.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the virConnectGetDomainCapabilities() function of the Libvirt API, where the "emulatorbin" argument can be exploited by read-only clients to execute arbitrary code.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Versions: 4.x.x before 4.10.1, 5.x.x before 5.4.1
- Affected Product: Libvirt
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by specifying a customized path in the "emulatorbin" argument, leading to the execution of a malicious executable with libvirtd privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-10167.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Libvirt to version 4.10.1 or 5.4.1 to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to vulnerable systems.
- Implement least privilege access controls.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on secure coding practices and the risks of executing untrusted code.
Patching and Updates
- Apply the latest patches provided by Libvirt to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.