CVE-2000-0372 in Openlinux
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in Caldera rmt command in the dump package 0.4b4 allows a local user to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0372 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Caldera operating system's rmt command implementation. This issue specifically affects the dump package version 0.4b4 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous system utilities can harbor dangerous security weaknesses. The rmt command serves as a remote tape management utility that facilitates backup operations across networked systems, making it a critical component in system administration workflows. The flaw lies in the improper handling of file permissions and execution contexts within this utility, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges to the root level.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the rmt command's execution environment. When the dump package processes backup operations, the rmt command fails to properly sanitize its environment variables and file access controls, enabling malicious users to manipulate the utility's behavior. This flaw operates under CWE-276 which specifically addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require network access or external exploitation vectors, making it a local privilege escalation issue that can be triggered simply by executing the affected utility with maliciously crafted inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the Caldera system. Attackers who gain access to a local account can leverage this flaw to obtain root privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or complex attack chains. This creates a significant risk for system administrators who may not be aware of the potential for such local exploits. The vulnerability affects systems where the dump package is installed and actively used for backup operations, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific inputs that cause the rmt command to execute with elevated privileges, bypassing normal user access controls and system security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0372 focus on immediate patching of the affected dump package to version 0.4b5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions on the rmt command and related backup utilities, ensuring that only authorized users can execute these critical system components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting access to backup operations and removing unnecessary execution permissions from system utilities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable dump package and verify that proper access controls are in place. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unauthorized execution of backup utilities, as this behavior may indicate attempted exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation of system utilities, emphasizing the need for proper system hardening and access control enforcement. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to prevent similar issues from arising in other system components.