This Metasploit module attempts to gain root privileges with SUID Xorg X11 server versions 1.19.0 up to 1.20.3. A permission check flaw exists for -modulepath and -logfile options when starting Xorg. This allows unprivileged users that can start the server the ability to elevate privileges and run arbitrary code under root privileges. This Metasploit module has been tested with OpenBSD 6.3, 6.4, and CentOS 7 (1708). CentOS default install will require console auth for the users session. Cron launches the payload so if Selinux is enforcing exploitation may still be possible, but the module will bail. Xorg must have SUID permissions and may not start if running. On exploitation a crontab.old backup file will be created by Xorg. This Metasploit module will remove the .old file and restore crontab after successful exploitation. Failed exploitation may result in a corrupted crontab. On successful exploitation artifacts will be created consistent with starting Xorg and running a cron.

CVE-2018-14665