CVE-2019-19191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In versions prior to 3.1.0, the Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) 3.x had a security vulnerability that could allow an attacker to gain root access by creating symbolic links to sensitive files.

Understanding CVE-2019-19191

In this CVE, a flaw in the Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) 3.x version before 3.1.0 could lead to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2019-19191?

The vulnerability in versions prior to 3.1.0 of Shibboleth SP 3.x allowed the execution of the chown command on files in a directory controlled by the service user, potentially enabling an attacker to gain root access by creating symbolic links to critical files like /etc/shadow.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19191

This security flaw could be exploited by an attacker to escalate privileges and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19191

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involved the execution of the chown command on files in a directory managed by the service user, allowing for potential privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) 3.x versions before 3.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by creating symbolic links to sensitive files, such as /etc/shadow, after the chown command execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-19191, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 3.1.0 or later of Shibboleth Service Provider (SP) 3.x to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or changes to critical system files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Regularly review and update security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.