CVE-2000-1073 in iPlanet iCal
Summary
by MITRE
csstart program in iCal 2.1 Patch 2 searches for the cshttpd program in the current working directory, which allows local users to gain root privileges by creating a Trojan Horse cshttpd program in a directory and calling csstart from that directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1073 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw affecting the iCal 2.1 Patch 2 application on macOS systems. This issue stems from a dangerous design decision in how the csstart program handles executable file resolution. The csstart program, which is part of the iCal suite, fails to properly specify the full path to the cshttpd program it intends to execute, instead relying on the system's PATH environment variable search mechanism. This behavior creates a predictable security weakness that local attackers can exploit through a well-known technique involving symbolic links or Trojan horse files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure use of system calls or shell commands that can lead to privilege escalation. When a user executes the csstart program from a directory containing a malicious cshttpd file, the system's PATH resolution process locates and executes the attacker-controlled binary instead of the legitimate system program. This misconfiguration allows a local user to effectively impersonate the privileged cshttpd process, which typically runs with root privileges. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insecure direct object reference, where the program directly references system resources without proper validation of their authenticity or intended destination.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides a straightforward path for local attackers to escalate privileges from standard user level to root access. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by any local user who has access to the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management and secure coding practices, especially in applications that interact with system-level processes.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve several approaches that address the root cause of the issue. The primary solution requires modifying the csstart program to explicitly specify the full path to the cshttpd executable instead of relying on PATH resolution. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and defensive programming practices recommended in the OWASP Top Ten security framework. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper file permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system directories. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security audits of system applications and the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring systems to detect suspicious file creation patterns and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. This specific vulnerability serves as a prime example of why applications should never rely on implicit path resolution for critical system executables and why proper input validation and secure path handling are essential components of robust software security design.