CVE-2000-0433 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The SuSE aaa_base package installs some system accounts with home directories set to /tmp, which allows local users to gain privileges to those accounts by creating standard user startup scripts such as profiles.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0433 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the SuSE aaa_base package implementation. This issue stems from improper system account configuration where certain privileged accounts are created with home directories set to /tmp instead of appropriate secure locations. The fundamental flaw lies in the assumption that /tmp directory permissions are sufficient to prevent unauthorized access, when in reality this directory is world-writable and accessible to all users on the system. This configuration creates a dangerous attack vector that directly violates security best practices for account management and privilege separation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves local users exploiting the weak directory permissions to gain access to system accounts through the creation of standard user startup scripts. When system accounts have their home directories set to /tmp, any user can create files in this location that will be executed during account initialization. This typically involves creating files like .profile, .bashrc, or other shell initialization scripts that will be processed when the account is accessed. The attacker can place malicious code within these scripts, effectively executing commands with the privileges of the target system account. This approach directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and demonstrates how weak directory permissions can lead to privilege escalation through the exploitation of account initialization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain access to accounts with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to read sensitive system files, modify system configurations, or even escalate further to root access depending on the specific account permissions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system since it allows unauthorized access to accounts that should remain protected. This issue particularly impacts systems where multiple users share the same machine and where proper account separation is crucial for maintaining system security. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed without requiring any special tools or advanced technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on proper account configuration and permission management. System administrators should immediately correct the account configurations by ensuring that system accounts have home directories set to secure locations that are not world-writable. The recommended approach involves changing the home directory paths of affected accounts to locations such as /var/lib/ or other secure directories with appropriate permissions. Additionally, the /tmp directory should be properly configured with restrictive permissions and appropriate sticky bits to prevent unauthorized file creation and modification. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security guidelines such as those outlined in the CIS Linux Benchmark and other industry standards for secure system configuration. Regular security audits and account reviews should be conducted to ensure that no similar misconfigurations exist within the system, as this type of vulnerability can persist for extended periods if not properly addressed through systematic security management practices.