CVE-2000-0865 in DoubleVision
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in dvtermtype in Tridia Double Vision 3.07.00 allows local users to gain root privileges via a long terminal type argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0865 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Tridia Double Vision 3.07.00 software suite, specifically affecting the dvtermtype component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize terminal type arguments passed to the vulnerable application. The flaw exists in the terminal type handling functionality that processes user-supplied terminal type specifications, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the allocated buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of string inputs within the dvtermtype function where a fixed-size buffer is used to store terminal type information without sufficient bounds checking. When a local user provides a terminal type argument exceeding the predetermined buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program data structures, return addresses, or other sensitive memory regions. This memory corruption can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow and elevate privileges from regular user level to root access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a direct path to system compromise through local execution. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where user privileges are not properly segregated. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted terminal type argument that precisely overflows the buffer and overwrites the return address on the stack, redirecting program execution to malicious code. This technique aligns with common buffer overflow exploitation methods documented in the attack framework and represents a classic example of stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
The security implications of CVE-2000-0865 are significant as it allows local privilege escalation without requiring network access or complex remote exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely fail security assessments under standards such as iso/iec 27001 and pci dss requirements for secure application development. The issue also maps to common attack patterns in the mitre attack framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local exploitation methods that leverage buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Tridia Double Vision software to the latest available version that addresses the buffer overflow flaw. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures and consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual terminal type argument patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in application development, particularly when dealing with user-supplied input data. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow issues in other legacy applications and ensure that proper code review processes are implemented to prevent such flaws from occurring in future software releases.