CVE-2000-1014 in UnixWare
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the search97.cgi CGI script in SCO help http server for Unixware 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via format characters in the queryText parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1014 represents a critical format string flaw within the search97.cgi CGI script of the SCO help http server for Unixware 7 operating system. This issue stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the web server's search functionality, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the queryText parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which describes the weakness of using user-controlled format strings in printf-like functions. In the context of web applications, this flaw occurs when the CGI script directly incorporates user input into format string functions without proper validation or escaping. The search97.cgi script fails to properly sanitize the queryText parameter, enabling attackers to craft malicious input containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x that can be interpreted by the underlying printf family of functions. This misconfiguration allows attackers to both read arbitrary memory locations and potentially overwrite critical program memory, leading to arbitrary code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability affects the SCO help http server specifically running on Unixware 7, making it particularly concerning for organizations using legacy SCO systems that may not have received adequate security updates or patches.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward, requiring only a web browser or HTTP client to send a specially crafted request containing format specifiers in the queryText parameter of the search97.cgi script. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in input validation to execute arbitrary commands. Organizations with exposed web servers running the affected SCO help http server are at significant risk, particularly in environments where legacy systems are not regularly patched or updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using user-supplied data in format string operations without adequate sanitization measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the SCO help http server software to address the format string handling issue. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems and consider disabling unnecessary CGI scripts or web server functionality that could be exploited. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including web application firewalls, proxy servers, and application-level defenses to prevent malicious format specifiers from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests containing format specifiers should be implemented as part of intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy software systems.