CVE-1999-0027 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
root privileges via buffer overflow in eject command on sgi irix systems.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0027 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the eject command implementation on SGI IRIX operating systems. This issue allows local attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access to root level permissions through a carefully crafted buffer overflow attack. The vulnerability specifically targets the eject command which is commonly used to eject removable media such as CD-ROMs and floppy disks from the system. When the eject command processes certain input parameters without proper bounds checking, it fails to validate the length of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the program's stack.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper input validation within the eject utility's argument processing logic. When the command receives command line arguments or environment variables containing excessive data, the program fails to enforce length restrictions on buffer allocations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw operates under the common weakness pattern identified by CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages a system utility that typically runs with elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can be exploited by malicious users to gain complete control over affected SGI IRIX systems. Attackers can craft specific input sequences that cause the eject command to overwrite return addresses or other critical program variables, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code. This type of attack aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation technique, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with root privileges. The vulnerability affects systems running older versions of SGI IRIX where the eject command was compiled without proper buffer overflow protections, making it a persistent threat in legacy environments that have not received appropriate security patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0027 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should apply the relevant security patches provided by SGI that include proper bounds checking and input validation for the eject command. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict input validation controls and consider disabling unnecessary system utilities that could be exploited. The implementation of stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other modern exploit mitigation techniques can provide additional protection against similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other system utilities, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system-level programs. The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical need for secure coding practices in operating system utilities, particularly those that execute with elevated privileges.