CVE-2000-0315 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
traceroute in NetBSD 1.3.3 and Linux systems allows local unprivileged users to modify the source address of the packets, which could be used in spoofing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0315 represents a significant security flaw in network diagnostic tools that affects both NetBSD 1.3.3 and Linux systems. This issue specifically impacts the traceroute utility, which is commonly used by network administrators to trace the path that packets take through a network. The flaw allows local unprivileged users to manipulate the source address of packets sent by traceroute, creating a potential avenue for malicious activity that could compromise network integrity and security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of packet source addresses within the traceroute implementation on affected systems. When traceroute executes, it typically sends packets with specific source IP addresses to trace network paths. However, the flaw in these versions allows local users to modify these source addresses, effectively enabling them to forge packet origins. This manipulation occurs at the network layer where packet headers are constructed, potentially allowing attackers to disguise their activities or impersonate legitimate network nodes. The vulnerability specifically relates to the lack of proper validation and sanitization of source address parameters within the traceroute utility's packet construction process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network troubleshooting capabilities. Local unprivileged users can leverage this flaw to conduct spoofing attacks that may bypass network security controls designed to prevent unauthorized access or monitoring. An attacker could potentially use this capability to masquerade as legitimate network nodes, intercept communications, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The implications are particularly concerning because the vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with local access to the system. This local privilege escalation aspect aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation in software applications, and represents a classic example of how network utilities can become attack vectors when not properly secured.
Network administrators and security professionals should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating affected systems to patched versions of traceroute that properly validate source addresses and prevent unauthorized modification. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network access controls that limit local user access to network diagnostic tools, particularly in environments where security is paramount. The use of network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous packet source addresses may also provide early warning of exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving spoofing and privilege escalation, and organizations should consider implementing defensive measures that align with the T1566 and T1068 tactics. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable network utilities and ensure that all systems maintain current security patches to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in the future.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in network utilities and highlights how seemingly benign diagnostic tools can become significant security risks when not properly secured. The flaw serves as a reminder that network administrators must remain vigilant about the security implications of the tools they deploy and that comprehensive security assessments should include evaluation of network diagnostic utilities that may be exploited by local users to gain unauthorized access to network resources.