CVE-2025-27148

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-27148: Gradle Local Privilege Escalation

This document outlines the vulnerability, severity, known exploits, and remediation steps for CVE-2025-27148, affecting Gradle and the net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform library.

1. Vulnerability Description

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-27148
  • Description: Gradle versions using vulnerable versions of net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform library are susceptible to a local privilege escalation on Unix-like systems. The vulnerability stems from the native-platform library’s use of the system temporary directory (/tmp) when proper initialization isn’t performed. If /tmp has permissive permissions, an attacker can rapidly delete and recreate files within the directory used by the library, potentially leading to privilege escalation. Specifically, the Native.get(Class<>) method, when called without first calling Native.init(File) and when using a non-null working file path, will lead to the use of the system’s temporary directory with vulnerable file creation.

2. Severity

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Vector: AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • Explanation: This vulnerability has a high severity because a local attacker (AV:L) with low privileges (PR:L) can leverage the issue with no user interaction (UI:N) to gain complete control (C:H/I:H/A:H) of the system. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning it’s relatively easy to exploit. Scope remains unchanged (S:U).

3. Affected Components and Versions

  • Component: net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform library
  • Vulnerable Versions: Versions prior to 0.22-milestone-28
  • Specifically: Gradle 8.12 is affected due to internal codepaths.
  • Fixed Versions:
    • net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform version 0.22-milestone-28 and later.
    • Gradle 8.12.1 and later.
    • Gradle 8.13 and later (as it upgrades the native-platform library).
  • Unaffected Systems:
    • Windows
    • Modern versions of macOS
    • Unix-like systems where the system temporary directory (/tmp) has the “sticky” bit set. The sticky bit restricts file deletion within the directory to the file’s owner or the root user.
    • Unix-like systems where /tmp is mounted with the noexec option (prevents execution of binaries from the /tmp directory).

4. Known Exploits

  • Exploitability: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by quickly creating and deleting files in the system temporary directory (/tmp) used by the affected native-platform library during its initialization phase. This can be used to manipulate the state of files, potentially allowing the attacker to overwrite files owned by other users or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

5. Remediation/Mitigation Strategies

The following strategies should be implemented to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-27148:

  • A. Upgrade Gradle:

    • Priority: HIGH
    • Action: Upgrade to Gradle version 8.12.1 or later, or upgrade to Gradle 8.13 or later. This is the most effective solution, as it directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability by incorporating the patched native-platform library.

  • B. Upgrade net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform Library (if directly managed):

    • Priority: HIGH
    • Action: If you are directly managing the net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform dependency in your project’s build.gradle file (or equivalent), upgrade to version 0.22-milestone-28 or later. This might be relevant if you are using an older Gradle version and want to backport the fix. Verify that Gradle picks up the new version of the native library.

  • C. Secure the System Temporary Directory (/tmp): (If upgrading is not immediately feasible)

    • Priority: MEDIUM

    • Option 1: Set the “sticky” bit: On Unix-like systems, set the “sticky” bit on the system temporary directory (/tmp). This restricts file deletion within the directory to the file’s owner or the root user.

          sudo chmod +t /tmp

    • Option 2: Mount /tmp as noexec: Mount the /tmp directory with the noexec option. This prevents the execution of binaries from the /tmp directory. The exact method for doing this depends on the operating system and system configuration (e.g., editing /etc/fstab). This option might interfere with other applications that rely on executable files in /tmp.

          # Example in /etc/fstab

      tmpfs /tmp tmpfs defaults,noexec,nosuid 0 0 (Requires reboot or remounting).

    • Caveat: Changes to the system temporary directory can affect other applications. Thorough testing is required.

  • D. Override the Java Temporary Directory: (If other options are not possible)

    • Priority: LOW

    • Action: If you are unable to modify the permissions of the system temporary directory, override the Java temporary directory by setting the java.io.tmpdir system property when launching the Gradle build. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. Ensure the directory is created and owned by the build user.

          gradle -Djava.io.tmpdir=/path/to/secure/temp/dir <tasks>

    • Caveat: This workaround requires modifying the Gradle build invocation or environment. It also requires careful management of the new temporary directory to ensure it remains secure. Also, changing the temp directory can impact other parts of the build and the entire system.

  • E. Initialize Native Library Properly (Code Modification - if applicable):

    • Priority: HIGH (if you directly use net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform)

    • Action: If your code directly uses the net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform library, ensure that you always call Native.init(File) before calling Native.get(Class<>), and provide a safe, controlled location for the temporary files. Do not rely on the default behavior that uses the system’s /tmp directory.

    • Example:

          File secureTempDir = new File("/path/to/secure/temp/dir");

      Native.init(secureTempDir); Native.get(SomeClass.class);

6. Testing and Verification

  • After applying the remediation steps, thoroughly test the Gradle builds to ensure they function correctly.
  • Verify that the correct versions of Gradle and net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform are being used.
  • If relying on the sticky bit or noexec options, confirm their correct configuration and functionality.
  • If overriding the Java temporary directory, ensure that the new directory is properly configured and accessible to the build process.

7. Monitoring and Logging

  • Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity related to file creation or deletion in the temporary directory.
  • Implement logging to track the initialization of the native-platform library and the temporary directory being used.

8. Patching Timeline

  • Apply the recommended fixes (upgrade Gradle or the net.rubygrapefruit:native-platform library) as soon as possible.
  • Implement temporary mitigations (securing /tmp or overriding java.io.tmpdir) until the upgrade is complete.

9. Communication

  • Communicate the vulnerability and remediation steps to all relevant stakeholders, including developers, system administrators, and security teams.

By implementing these remediation and mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation related to CVE-2025-27148.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-02-25 20:13:52
  • Updated Date: 2025-02-25 21:15:18

More Details

CVE-2025-27148