CVE-1999-0026 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
root privileges via buffer overflow in pset command on sgi irix systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0026 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the pset command on SGI IRIX operating systems that allows attackers to escalate privileges to root level. This issue stems from improper input validation within the pset command implementation, which fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied arguments before copying them into fixed-size buffers. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running IRIX operating systems where the pset command is available and executable with appropriate privileges. When a malicious user provides overly long input to the pset command, the buffer overflow occurs in the kernel space, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the highest system privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw exists in the kernel-level implementation of the pset command, making it particularly dangerous as it operates with elevated privileges and can be exploited to gain complete system control. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vector where a command designed for system administration purposes becomes a pathway for unauthorized access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire system and potentially allowing further lateral movement within networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental security weakness in the operating system's privilege management mechanisms. Systems running affected IRIX versions become susceptible to complete compromise, with attackers able to establish persistent backdoors, modify system files, and access sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability also impacts system stability, as buffer overflows can cause system crashes or unpredictable behavior when exploited. Organizations relying on IRIX systems for critical operations face significant risk, particularly in environments where the pset command is accessible to untrusted users or where system administrators have not implemented proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through official SGI updates or vendor-provided security fixes. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting access to the pset command to only authorized users and groups. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious command executions and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in system-level commands, reinforcing the need for proper software development practices aligned with secure coding guidelines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system commands and ensure proper privilege separation across all system components. This case study demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and implementing robust security controls, particularly in legacy systems where such vulnerabilities may persist for extended periods.