CVE-2000-0454 in Mandrake Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Linux cdrecord allows local users to gain privileges via the dev parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0454 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Linux cdrecord utility that enables local attackers to escalate their privileges on affected systems. This issue resides in the handling of the dev parameter, which is used to specify the device target for optical disc burning operations. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate input length before copying device names into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the cdrecord source code where the dev parameter is processed without adequate length validation. When a local user provides an excessively long device specification, the application writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges typically belonging to the root user or the cdrecord process owner. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to be written beyond allocated memory regions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result from improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain root access on Linux systems running vulnerable versions of cdrecord. Local users who can execute the cdrecord utility can exploit this flaw to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access and standard user privileges to initiate the exploitation process, making it accessible to anyone with login credentials on the target system. This vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege and can be leveraged in conjunction with other local exploits to establish persistent access or to escalate further within a compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0454 should focus on immediate patching of the cdrecord utility to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should ensure that all installations of cdrecord are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, typically released by the distribution vendors following the vulnerability disclosure. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and limiting local user privileges can reduce the attack surface, though this does not eliminate the vulnerability itself. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any exploitation attempts through system logs and audit trails, as the buffer overflow may generate unusual memory access patterns that can be detected by intrusion detection systems. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege by restricting access to cdrecord and other optical disc burning utilities to only those users who absolutely require these capabilities for their legitimate system administration tasks.