CVE-2000-1095 in modutils
Summary
by MITRE
modprobe in the modutils 2.3.x package on Linux systems allows a local user to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1095 represents a critical security flaw in the modutils package version 2.3.x, specifically within the modprobe utility that is integral to Linux kernel module management. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the modprobe command, which is responsible for loading kernel modules into the running system. The vulnerability manifests when modprobe processes module names that contain shell metacharacters, allowing maliciously crafted module names to be interpreted as shell commands rather than simple module identifiers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of module names that contain special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks. When a local user provides a module name containing these metacharacters, the modprobe utility fails to properly escape or sanitize the input before executing shell commands. This creates a command injection scenario where arbitrary code can be executed with the privileges of the user running modprobe, which typically operates with elevated privileges due to its role in kernel module management. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where modprobe is invoked with user-supplied module names without proper input validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1095 is significant as it provides local users with a pathway to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This privilege escalation vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources, install malicious software, modify system configurations, or compromise the integrity of the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trusted modprobe utility, making the attack less suspicious to system administrators and security monitoring tools. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges to root access, or perform reconnaissance activities without detection.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and is related to the broader category of command injection flaws that affect system utilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through system utilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to modutils package versions that properly sanitize input, implementing proper input validation for module names, and restricting the ability to invoke modprobe with user-supplied parameters. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual modprobe activity and ensure that only authorized users have access to privileged system operations. The remediation process requires careful consideration of existing system configurations and may involve patching the modutils package or implementing additional security controls to prevent command injection attacks.