CVE-2019-10168 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-10168, a vulnerability in libvirt APIs allowing read-only clients to execute a specially crafted executable with elevated privileges. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the libvirt APIs allows read-only clients to execute a specially crafted executable with elevated privileges.
Understanding CVE-2019-10168
This CVE involves a vulnerability in specific versions of libvirt APIs that could lead to privilege escalation.
What is CVE-2019-10168?
The vulnerability exists in the virConnectBaselineHypervisorCPU() and virConnectCompareHypervisorCPU() libvirt APIs in versions 4.x.x before 4.10.1 and 5.x.x before 5.4.1. It allows read-only clients to specify an arbitrary path for an argument, potentially leading to the execution of a specially crafted executable with elevated privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2019-10168
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level. It can result in high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-10168
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the libvirt APIs allows read-only clients to supply an arbitrary path for an argument, leading to the execution of a specially crafted executable with elevated privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: libvirt
- Vendor: libvirt
- Versions affected: 4.x.x before 4.10.1, 5.x.x before 5.4.1
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Local
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Changed
- Exploitation could occur through a local attack with low privileges, requiring no user interaction.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-10168 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly.
- Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.
- Restrict access to vulnerable APIs.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access.
- Conduct security audits and assessments periodically.
Patching and Updates
- Update libvirt to versions 4.10.1 or higher for 4.x.x and 5.4.1 or higher for 5.x.x to mitigate the vulnerability.