CVE-2000-0695 in Raptor GFX PGX32
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in pgxconfig in the Raptor GFX configuration tool allow local users to gain privileges via command line options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0695 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the pgxconfig component of the Raptor GFX configuration tool suite. This issue affects systems running the Raptor GFX software and creates a significant security risk by allowing local attackers to escalate their privileges through carefully crafted command line arguments. The vulnerability resides in how the pgxconfig utility processes user input parameters, specifically when handling command line options that exceed the allocated buffer space. Such buffer overflows typically occur when programs fail to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers, creating opportunities for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of command line arguments within the pgxconfig utility. When local users provide command line options that exceed the predetermined buffer limits, the program continues to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting critical program variables, return addresses, or other essential memory structures. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the target process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this flaw without requiring network connectivity or remote access. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that the buffer overflow occurs during the normal execution of the configuration tool, making detection more challenging.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0695 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to modify system files, install backdoors, or gain access to confidential data. The affected Raptor GFX configuration tool is commonly used for graphics hardware configuration and system management, making the potential attack surface significant for organizations relying on this software. The local privilege escalation aspect means that attackers do not require network access or complex attack vectors, as the vulnerability can be exploited directly from the target system. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-121, which addresses 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow', and CWE-122, which covers 'Heap-based Buffer Overflow', depending on the specific memory corruption pattern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0695 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching or upgrading to versions of the Raptor GFX software that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and memory management. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that only authorized users have access to systems running vulnerable software. System administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in software handling user-supplied parameters. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command line usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system hardening measures such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though these are secondary mitigations compared to proper patching. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of why secure coding practices and thorough input validation are essential in preventing buffer overflow exploits that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.