CVE-2008-5110

syslog-ng does not call chdir when it calls chroot, which might allow attackers to escape the intended jail

published November 17, 2008

CVSS
—
EPSS
2%
Percentile
82.2
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky path out! Syslog-ng doesn't call chdir when executing chroot — it’s like a hotel that forgets to check guests into their rooms properly. 🔒 Imagine if the hotel allowed guests to wander around the lobby without being properly checked in; they could sneak into areas they shouldn’t be! That's similar to what happens here — attackers might slip out of the designated jail and access sensitive parts of the system. If attackers exploit this vulnerability, they could escape the chroot jail and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system areas. This could lead to data breaches or further exploitation of the system, especially if other vulnerabilities are present. It's a slippery slope!

Put simply

Imagine if the hotel allowed guests to wander around the lobby without being properly checked in; they could sneak into areas they shouldn’t be! That's similar to what happens here — attackers might slip out of the designated jail and access sensitive parts of the system. This flaw in syslog-ng versions 2.0.9 and earlier allows attackers to potentially bypass the confinement of a chroot jail, as the necessary chdir call is missing. Without it, the intended isolation can be compromised, making the system more vulnerable.

What to do

If attackers exploit this vulnerability, they could escape the chroot jail and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system areas. This could lead to data breaches or further exploitation of the system, especially if other vulnerabilities are present. It's a slippery slope! Upgrade syslog-ng to version 2.0.10 or later to remedy this issue. Additionally, review your overall security posture and ensure other related vulnerabilities are also patched to ensure robust protection. 🔧 You've got this! With these steps, you'll tighten up your defenses and keep your system safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02192 · 82.2th percentile
Published
2008-11-17T22:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 17 NOV 22:00Z
    syslog-ng does not call chdir when it calls chroot, which might allow attackers to escape the intended jail
    cvelistv5