CVE-2000-0006 in strace
Summary
by MITRE
strace allows local users to read arbitrary files via memory mapped file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0006 represents a significant security flaw in the strace utility, a system call tracing tool commonly used for debugging and monitoring program execution on unix-like systems. This weakness allows local attackers with minimal privileges to bypass normal file access controls and read content from arbitrary files within the system. The vulnerability stems from how strace handles memory mapping operations when tracing processes, specifically in its treatment of memory-mapped file names during system call interception. When strace encounters a process that uses memory mapping to access files, it may inadvertently expose file paths or contents through its tracing output mechanisms, creating an information disclosure channel that can be exploited by local users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves strace's memory mapping handling during process tracing operations. When a process makes system calls related to memory mapping such as mmap or mremap, strace intercepts these calls and attempts to provide detailed tracing information to the user. The flaw occurs in the way strace processes and displays memory mapping information, particularly when dealing with file-backed memory mappings. Local users can manipulate the tracing behavior to cause strace to reveal file names or contents that would normally be protected by standard file access controls. This typically manifests when strace is run with elevated privileges such as setuid root or when tracing processes that have access to sensitive files through memory mapping. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as exposure of sensitive information and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0006 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive data that may include configuration files, password databases, cryptographic keys, or other confidential system information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where strace is frequently used for debugging purposes and where multiple users have access to the system. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain insights into system configuration, identify potential attack vectors, or extract credentials that could lead to privilege escalation. The local nature of the exploit means that an attacker does not require network access or remote system compromise to leverage this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for system administrators who rely on strace for legitimate debugging purposes. The security implications are further exacerbated when strace is executed with elevated privileges, as the information disclosure can extend to files that are normally restricted to root access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0006 involve multiple layers of defensive measures to protect against unauthorized file access through strace. System administrators should implement strict access controls for the strace utility, ensuring that it is not available to untrusted users or that it is properly restricted in terms of what files can be traced. The most effective approach involves removing or disabling setuid privileges from strace installations where possible, as this prevents the utility from accessing files that would normally be restricted to root access. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring of strace usage patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly when the utility is used to trace processes with elevated privileges. Security policies should mandate that strace be used only by authorized personnel with proper justification and that alternative debugging approaches be considered for routine system monitoring. Regular system updates and patches to address this vulnerability are essential, as strace is a widely used tool that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of reviewing and testing system call tracing tools for potential information disclosure issues, particularly in environments where privilege escalation or unauthorized access to sensitive files is a concern.