CVE-2019-25016 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

OpenDoas versions 6.6 to 6.8 had a vulnerability where authenticated executions incorrectly inherited the users PATH variable under certain conditions.

Understanding CVE-2019-25016

This CVE involves a security issue in OpenDoas versions 6.6 to 6.8 that impacted the handling of authenticated executions.

What is CVE-2019-25016?

In OpenDoas versions 6.6 to 6.8, a flaw allowed authenticated executions to improperly inherit the users PATH variable if the authentication rule permitted the user to execute any command. However, this issue did not affect rules that only allowed authenticated users to execute specific commands.

The Impact of CVE-2019-25016

The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access or privilege escalation if exploited by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-25016

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OpenDoas versions 6.6 to 6.8 allowed authenticated executions to incorrectly inherit the users PATH variable, potentially leading to security risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenDoas versions 6.6 to 6.8

Exploitation Mechanism

The issue arises when the authentication rule permits the user to execute any command, causing the PATH variable to be inherited incorrectly.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-25016 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenDoas to version 6.8.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Review and adjust authentication rules to limit the execution permissions granted to users.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions and minimize potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by OpenDoas to ensure the security of the system.