Summary
The AppDynamics Standalone Machine agent sets file permissions for the script file “extend-os-version.sh” to 777.
This allows any user with shell access to the server to change the script file, which will be executed by the Machine Agent with the level of permissions assigned to the Machine Agent at startup. As a result, any user can obtain elevated admin privileges on a server running the standalone machine agent.
Affected Software
| Product | Component | Version | Exploitability | Severity |
|---|
| Machine Agent | AppDynamics Standalone Machine Agent | - 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 versions
- 4.0 versions below 4.0.8.4
- 4.1 versions below 4.1.8.2
| Medium | High |
Key/Legend for Ratings and Vulnerabilities
| Exploitability Rating | Description |
|---|
| Known | AppDynamics is aware of a known exploit. Customers should treat known exploits with the highest priority. |
| High | AppDynamics believes there is a high probability that a vulnerability is exploitable by an attacker. |
| Medium | AppDynamics believes there is a moderate probability that a vulnerability is exploitable by an attacker. |
| Low | AppDynamics believes there is a low probability that a vulnerability is exploitable by an attacker. |
| Severity Rating | Description |
|---|
| High | Exploit allows an attacker to compromise confidentiality, integrity, accountability, or availability of user data, or of the integrity or availability of processing resources without any mitigations like notifications, audits, and/or authentication. |
| Medium | Exploit allows an attacker to compromise confidentiality, integrity, accountability, or availability of user data, or of the integrity or availability of processing resources with reasonable mitigations like notifications, and/or authentication mechanisms. |
| Low | Exploit allows an attacker to compromise confidentiality, integrity, accountability, or availability of user data, or of the integrity or availability of processing resources, however, significant mitigations like notifications, and/or authentication mechanisms are in place to reduce severity of the impact. |
FAQ
Q: What do I need to do to protect against this vulnerability?
A: Upgrade the Standalone Machine Agent (Java)
Q: Do I need to upgrade my agents?
A: Yes, the Standalone Machine Agent
The defect allows any user with shell access to modify the script file and therefore execute the changed content with root privileges.
Mitigating Factors and Workarounds
Upgrade to a patched version.
Patched Versions
Disclaimer
The information provided in this security advisory is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. AppDynamics disclaims all representations or warranties, either express, implied, statutory, or otherwise with respect thereto, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall AppDynamics, its affiliates, or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits, or special damages, even if the other party has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply to you.
Revision History
1.0 - 1/26/2016 Initial Revision