CVE-2000-0248 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The web GUI for the Linux Virtual Server (LVS) software in the Red Hat Linux Piranha package has a backdoor password that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0248 represents a critical security flaw in the Linux Virtual Server implementation within Red Hat Linux Piranha package. This issue affects the web graphical user interface component that manages load balancing configurations for the Linux Virtual Server system. The vulnerability stems from an intentional backdoor mechanism that was embedded within the software during development, creating an unauthorized access point that bypasses normal authentication procedures.
The technical flaw manifests through a hardcoded password mechanism within the web GUI interface of the LVS software. This backdoor password allows remote attackers to gain administrative access to the system without proper authentication credentials. Once accessed, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the host system, effectively granting them complete control over the load balancing infrastructure. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and specifically impacts the web-based management interface rather than the underlying kernel components of the LVS system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on the affected LVS implementation. Remote attackers can exploit this backdoor to compromise the entire load balancing infrastructure, potentially disrupting critical network services and applications. The ability to execute arbitrary commands means that attackers can modify configuration files, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate management interface into an unauthorized access vector that can be exploited from anywhere on the network.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the web GUI interface when not actively required, applying available patches from Red Hat that remove the backdoor functionality, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to the web management interface, and all administrative access should be restricted to trusted networks with strong authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-259 and CWE-798 categories related to weak passwords and hardcoded credentials, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and remote code execution through web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify similar backdoor mechanisms in other network infrastructure components and establish proper software supply chain security practices to prevent such intentional flaws from being introduced in the future.