CVE-2000-0194 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
buildxconf in Corel Linux allows local users to modify or create arbitrary files via the -x or -f parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0194 resides within the buildxconf utility of Corel Linux, a legacy operating system environment that was prevalent during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This flaw represents a classic path traversal and file manipulation vulnerability that enables local attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources through improper input validation mechanisms. The buildxconf utility was designed to configure xwindows settings within the Corel Linux environment, but its implementation contained critical security gaps that could be exploited by malicious users with local access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of command-line parameters, specifically the -x and -f options that are intended to specify configuration file paths and execution contexts. When these parameters are processed without proper sanitization or path validation, attackers can manipulate the utility to write to arbitrary file locations on the system. This occurs because the utility fails to properly resolve or restrict file paths, allowing attackers to specify absolute paths or utilize directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where file permissions and access controls are not properly enforced during parameter processing, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized file modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation as it provides a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the Corel Linux environment. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially overwrite critical system configuration files, create backdoor entries, or establish persistent access mechanisms that persist across system reboots. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute, as local access is already assumed for exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, which specifically address insecure direct object references and improper input validation in file system operations. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability would be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546 Event Triggering, as attackers could leverage the utility to establish persistent execution mechanisms or modify system processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes that implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization. The buildxconf utility must be modified to validate all input parameters against a strict whitelist of acceptable paths and prevent any directory traversal sequences from being processed. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions and access controls on the buildxconf utility itself, ensuring that only authorized system processes can execute it with elevated privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in system utilities, a principle that aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for secure coding practices. Regular security audits of legacy system components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other system utilities, as this type of flaw was common in software implementations from that era. The remediation process must also include comprehensive logging and monitoring of utility execution to detect any suspicious usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.