CVE-2000-0719 in VariCAD
Summary
by MITRE
VariCAD 7.0 is installed with world-writeable files, which allows local users to replace the VariCAD programs with a Trojan horse program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0719 represents a critical security flaw in VariCAD 7.0 software installation where the application is configured with world-writable permissions on its executable files. This configuration creates a fundamental privilege escalation opportunity that directly violates security best practices and establishes a clear path for malicious actors to compromise the system. The vulnerability stems from poor permission management during the software installation process, where files that should be protected from unauthorized modification are instead made accessible for writing by all users on the system.
This security weakness operates through a classic Trojan horse attack vector where a local user with minimal privileges can simply overwrite legitimate executable files with malicious counterparts. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it does not require any special authentication or elevated privileges beyond basic user access, making it extremely accessible to potential attackers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-732 as improper permission assignment for critical resources, which directly enables unauthorized modification of protected system components. This type of vulnerability falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1546 for event trigger modification, as it provides a mechanism for persistent malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program replacement, as it enables complete system compromise through the installation of malicious software that can persist across reboots. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install rootkits, or deploy additional malware that operates under the privileges of the legitimate VariCAD application. The attack surface is particularly concerning because VariCAD is a CAD software package that may be installed on systems with sensitive engineering or architectural data, making the potential compromise of such systems particularly severe. Local users with write access to the application directory can effectively subvert the integrity of the entire software ecosystem, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system disruption, or further lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate permission correction and long-term system hardening. The most direct fix involves setting appropriate file permissions on all VariCAD executable files and directories, ensuring that only authorized administrators have write access to critical system components. System administrators should implement regular permission audits and utilize automated tools to detect and correct such misconfigurations across all installed software. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized executables from running even if such vulnerabilities are not immediately patched. The vulnerability underscores the importance of principle of least privilege enforcement and proper software installation practices that align with security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for system hardening. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, providing both preventive and detective controls against similar vulnerabilities in the future.