CVE-2000-0602 in Secure Locate
Summary
by MITRE
Secure Locate (slocate) in Red Hat Linux allows local users to gain privileges via a malformed configuration file that is specified in the LOCATE_PATH environmental variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0602 affects the Secure Locate (slocate) utility distributed with Red Hat Linux systems. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits improper input validation within the slocate configuration processing mechanism. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the slocate utility processes a malformed configuration file through the LOCATE_PATH environmental variable, creating a pathway for local users to elevate their system privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of environmental variables within the slocate application. When users set the LOCATE_PATH environment variable to point to a maliciously crafted configuration file, the slocate utility fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it. This processing flaw allows attackers to manipulate the utility's behavior in ways that can lead to privilege escalation. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the slocate utility typically runs with elevated privileges to maintain and update the locate database, making it particularly dangerous when exploited by local users who can control the configuration inputs.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for systems running affected versions of Red Hat Linux. Local users who can influence the LOCATE_PATH environment variable gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to bypass standard access controls and escalate their privileges to root level access. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since it only requires local system access and the ability to set environment variables, making it particularly concerning for multi-user systems where privilege separation is critical. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system since successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of slocate, restricting write access to slocate configuration files, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to the LOCATE_PATH environment variable. Additionally, system administrators should review and audit existing slocate configurations to ensure they do not inadvertently expose the system to this vulnerability. The recommended long-term solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the slocate utility to prevent malformed configuration inputs from being processed with elevated privileges.