#VU13989 Privilege escalation in Phusion Passenger - CVE-2018-12026

Vulnerability identifier: #VU13989

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-12026

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Phusion Passenger
Server applications / Application servers

Vendor: Phusion B.V.

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges.

The vulnerability exists due to the SpawningKit subsystem of the affected software allows applications to replace key files or directories in the spawning communication directory with symbolic links. A local attacker can create a symbolic link designed to submit malicious input to a targeted system, execute read and write commands on arbitrary file paths on the system and use it to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive information.

Mitigation
Update to version 5.3.2.

Vulnerable software versions

Phusion Passenger: 5.3.0 - 5.3.1

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External links
https://blog.phusion.nl/2018/06/12/passenger-5-3-2-various-security-fixes/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.