CVE-2000-0694 in Raptor GFX PGX32
Summary
by MITRE
pgxconfig in the Raptor GFX configuration tool allows local users to gain privileges via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0694 resides within the pgxconfig component of the Raptor GFX configuration tool, representing a classic privilege escalation flaw that exploits symbolic link manipulation. This issue manifests when local users can manipulate symbolic links to gain elevated privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of symbolic link targets during the configuration process, allowing attackers to create malicious symlinks that point to sensitive system files or directories. The flaw specifically affects systems where the Raptor GFX tool is installed with elevated privileges or where users can execute the configuration utility with sufficient permissions to create or modify symbolic links. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling and symlink attacks, which are commonly classified as CWE-377 and CWE-378 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file paths during the configuration process where the pgxconfig tool does not properly validate the existence or target of symbolic links before processing them. When the tool encounters a symbolic link, it typically follows the link and operates on the target file, but fails to verify whether the target is legitimate or has been intentionally crafted by an attacker. This allows an attacker to establish a symbolic link that points to a critical system file such as /etc/passwd or a setuid binary, enabling them to modify privileged files or execute code with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction and can be executed by any local user who has access to the configuration tool, making it a significant concern for system administrators who may not be aware of the tool's potential for privilege escalation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a serious security risk for systems running the Raptor GFX configuration tool, as it allows local users to escalate their privileges without requiring authentication or specialized attack tools. The consequences extend beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as attackers can use the elevated privileges to modify system files, install backdoors, or create persistent access mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence, where attackers can leverage such flaws to establish a foothold that persists across system reboots. The impact is further amplified in environments where the configuration tool is frequently executed by users with elevated privileges or where multiple users have access to the system, creating multiple potential attack vectors for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0694 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing proper access controls and file system permissions. System administrators should ensure that the Raptor GFX configuration tool is not executed with elevated privileges unless absolutely necessary, and that proper file system permissions are enforced to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and secure temporary file handling practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, including the use of proper file path validation, avoiding insecure temporary file creation, and implementing proper privilege separation. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software inventory, as this type of flaw can be present in many legacy applications and configuration tools that have not been properly updated or maintained over time.