CVE-2024-23301 identifies a security vulnerability in Relax-and-Recover (ReaR) version 2.7, a popular disaster recovery and system backup tool used primarily on Linux systems. When the configuration option GRUB_RESCUE=y is enabled, ReaR creates an initial RAM disk (initrd) image that is world-readable. The initrd typically contains sensitive system information and secrets, such as cryptographic keys or credentials, which are intended to be accessible only by privileged users (root). The vulnerability arises from improper file permission settings (CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions) on the initrd image, exposing these secrets to any local user on the system. Exploiting this vulnerability requires local access with low privileges but does not require user interaction or elevated privileges initially. The attacker can read sensitive data, potentially leading to further privilege escalation or lateral movement within the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the local attack vector, low complexity, and high confidentiality impact but no impact on integrity or availability. No public exploits or patches have been reported at the time of disclosure. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure default permissions and careful configuration management in recovery tools that handle sensitive system data.

For European organizations, the primary impact is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive system secrets due to overly permissive initrd images created by ReaR 2.7 with GRUB_RESCUE enabled. This can lead to local attackers gaining access to credentials or cryptographic keys, potentially enabling privilege escalation or unauthorized access to critical systems. Organizations relying on ReaR for disaster recovery in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure could face increased risk of insider threats or compromised system integrity if attackers leverage this vulnerability. Although remote exploitation is not possible, the risk remains significant in environments where multiple users have local access or where attackers have already gained limited footholds. The vulnerability does not affect system availability or integrity directly but compromises confidentiality, which can have cascading effects on overall security posture and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR.

To mitigate CVE-2024-23301, organizations should first audit their use of Relax-and-Recover 2.7 and verify if GRUB_RESCUE=y is enabled in their configurations. If enabled, immediately restrict the permissions of the generated initrd image to root-only access (e.g., chmod 600) to prevent world-readable exposure. Review and harden file permission policies in the ReaR backup and recovery process. Consider upgrading to a patched version of ReaR once available or applying vendor-provided fixes. Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts and monitor for unusual access patterns to recovery artifacts. Additionally, segregate backup and recovery environments from general user environments to reduce the risk of local attackers exploiting this vulnerability. Regularly perform security audits and penetration tests focusing on backup and recovery systems to detect similar misconfigurations.