CVE-1999-0316 in Splitvt
Summary
by MITRE
buffer overflow in linux splitvt command gives root access to local users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0316 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the linux splitvt command that allows local users to escalate their privileges to root access. This command, designed to manage virtual terminals in linux systems, contains a programming error that manifests as an exploitable buffer overflow condition. The flaw occurs when the splitvt utility processes command line arguments without proper bounds checking, enabling an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the program's execution environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the splitvt utility's argument parsing mechanism. When local users execute the command with specially crafted arguments exceeding the allocated buffer size, the overflow corrupts the stack memory and potentially overwrites the return address of the calling function. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and ultimately gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the splitvt command is installed with setuid root permissions, which is common in many linux distributions of that era.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to system security as it requires no network access or special privileges beyond local user access. Any user who can execute the splitvt command can exploit this flaw to obtain root access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users might have legitimate access to the command. The attack vector is straightforward and reliable, requiring only the execution of a specially crafted command with malicious arguments. This makes the vulnerability highly exploitable and potentially devastating for system integrity.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once root access is obtained, malicious users can modify system files, install backdoors, monitor network traffic, and perform other unauthorized activities that compromise the entire security posture of the system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to privilege escalation attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques using vulnerable software and command execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0316 involve immediate patching of the affected splitvt utility or complete removal of the vulnerable command from systems where it is not essential. System administrators should ensure that the splitvt command is not installed with setuid root permissions or that proper input validation has been implemented in the source code. Regular security audits should verify that no other similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist within system utilities. Additionally, implementing proper privilege separation and using modern security practices such as address space layout randomization can help reduce the exploitability of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in maintaining system security.