CVE-2024-22365 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux-pam versions prior to 1.6.0. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service by blocking the login process through the mkfifo command. The root cause of this issue is that the openat call within the protect_dir function does not include the O_DIRECTORY flag, which is essential for its secure operation.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, this vulnerability poses a risk to organizations that utilize linux-pam for their authentication mechanisms. The potential impact includes service disruptions that can hinder user access and system functionality. As exploitation status is currently unknown, it is recommended that organizations take proactive measures to mitigate any possible risks.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability in their upcoming patch cycles. As the exploitability of this vulnerability is rated medium, it emphasizes the importance of timely remediation to prevent service interruptions.
Given the availability of a fix in version 1.6.0, it is essential to upgrade to this version to eliminate the vulnerability and restore the secure operation of the linux-pam component.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability is that linux-pam (aka Linux PAM) before 1.6.0 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (blocked login process) via mkfifo because the openat call (for protect_dir) lacks O_DIRECTORY.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-664, indicating a potential control weakness in the authentication module. The CVSS score of 5.5 reflects a medium severity level, suggesting that the vulnerability possesses significant risks without being critical.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-22365 is the absence of the O_DIRECTORY flag in the openat call within the protect_dir function of linux-pam. Without this flag, the system may misinterpret the intended operation, potentially leading to denial of service conditions.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, and the required privileges are also low, allowing an attacker with minimal access rights to potentially execute an exploit. No user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability.
In terms of impact, the availability of the service is significantly affected, while confidentiality and integrity remain unaffected. This emphasizes the potential for service disruption, which can severely impact the usability of affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing the linux-pam component should be aware of the risks associated with this vulnerability. The denial of service it introduces can lead to significant disruptions in user access, which may have cascading effects on operations and productivity.
The potential blast radius is notable, especially in environments where multiple services rely on linux-pam for authentication. Organizations should assess the urgency of this vulnerability based on their specific deployment context and prioritize remediation accordingly.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, organizations should address this vulnerability within their priority patch cycle to minimize risks to their systems and data.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of linux-pam prior to 1.6.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are running an updated version to mitigate the associated risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to linux-pam version 1.6.0 or later. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, organizations may need to implement temporary workarounds to minimize exposure. Additionally, reviewing system configurations and implementing hardening measures can further reduce risks.
Monitoring for unusual login behavior and reviewing system logs for anomalies are also recommended practices to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Security testing can validate the effectiveness of applied mitigations and ensure that systems are resilient against potential threats.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their systems for any log indicators related to the linux-pam module, specifically focusing on unauthorized access attempts or unusual login patterns.
Behavioral anomalies during the authentication process may also indicate potential exploitation. Network signatures that correlate with failed login attempts can be valuable in detecting exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The emergence of CVE-2024-22365 highlights the ongoing need for effective vulnerability management strategies within organizations. As vulnerabilities evolve, so too must the methodologies for assessing and mitigating risks.
Security teams should focus on creating a robust vulnerability management program that not only addresses current vulnerabilities but also anticipates future threats.
Continued education and training in security best practices for developers and system administrators can further strengthen an organization’s security posture. In addition, implementing a comprehensive penetration testing methodology can be instrumental in identifying and addressing weaknesses in systems before they are exploited.
Finally, organizations should always prepare for potential incidents through an effective incident response plan that includes regular assessments and updates based on the evolving threat landscape.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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