CVE-2000-0679 in Client
Summary
by MITRE
the cvs 1.10.8 client trusts pathnames that are provided by the cvs server which allows the server to force the client to create arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0679 resides within the concurrent versions system client version 1.10.8, representing a critical security flaw that fundamentally undermines client-side trust mechanisms. This issue manifests when the cvs client processes pathnames directly provided by the server without adequate validation or sanitization, creating a dangerous trust relationship that can be exploited by malicious servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the client's failure to properly validate pathname inputs received from the server during repository operations. When a cvs server communicates with a client, it may provide file paths that the client then uses to create local files or directories. In this specific case, the client blindly accepts these pathnames without performing proper checks to ensure they do not contain malicious constructs such as directory traversal sequences or absolute path references that could lead to unauthorized file system modifications.
This flaw enables a remote attacker who controls or can influence the cvs server to manipulate the client's file system operations. The server can instruct the client to create files in arbitrary locations, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation, modification, or even privilege escalation depending on the client's execution context. The vulnerability essentially allows for a form of remote file system manipulation that bypasses normal access controls and file system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0679 extends beyond simple file creation, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including the potential for code execution through carefully crafted file placements, data corruption, or system compromise. When combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors, this flaw can create a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access or cause significant disruption to development environments that rely on cvs for version control.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw also connects to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically the execution of malicious code through compromised development tools, as the cvs client becomes a vector for executing unauthorized operations. Organizations using cvs clients in untrusted network environments face significant risk, particularly when dealing with external repositories or servers that may be compromised.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization within the client software to prevent processing of potentially malicious pathnames. System administrators should consider restricting network access to cvs servers, implementing network segmentation, and regularly updating to patched versions of the cvs client software. Additionally, organizations should establish strict policies for repository access and server authentication to prevent unauthorized servers from communicating with client systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining strong trust boundaries in distributed systems and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against compromised components within the development infrastructure.