CVE-2000-0193 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Dosemu in Corel Linux 1.0 allows local users to execute the system.com program and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0193 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within the Dosemu emulator environment of Corel Linux 1.0. This flaw stems from the default system configuration where the system.com program can be executed by local users without proper authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests in the context of legacy DOS emulation environments where proper access controls have not been implemented to restrict execution of system-critical components. The Dosemu emulator, designed to provide DOS application compatibility on Linux systems, was configured in a manner that inadvertently granted excessive privileges to unprivileged local accounts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper privilege management within the Dosemu configuration, specifically related to the system.com program which serves as a critical system component in DOS environments. When local users can execute this program, they effectively gain elevated privileges that should be restricted to system administrators or privileged processes only. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the access control mechanisms fail to properly enforce the principle of least privilege. The system.com program typically handles core system functions and when executed with elevated permissions, allows attackers to perform operations that would normally require root access or administrative privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for systems running Corel Linux 1.0 with default Dosemu configurations. Local users can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no network access or external exploitation, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged by anyone with access to the system. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-269, which addresses improper privilege management. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and privilege restrictions within the Dosemu configuration. System administrators must ensure that the system.com program is properly restricted from unauthorized execution by local users. This involves reviewing and modifying the default Dosemu configuration to enforce stricter access controls and privilege boundaries. The remediation approach should align with security best practices from the ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on privilege escalation techniques and access control mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, privilege separation, and regular security audits of emulator configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper system hardening and configuration management practices that are essential for maintaining secure computing environments. Regular updates and patches should be applied to ensure that emulator components are not running with unnecessary privileges, and security awareness training should be provided to system administrators regarding proper configuration of legacy software components.