CVE-2001-0112 in Splitvt
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in splitvt before 1.6.5 allow local users to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0112 represents a critical security flaw in the splitvt utility version 1.6.4 and earlier, which was widely used for managing virtual terminals in Unix-like operating systems. This utility served as a bridge between virtual console environments and the X Window System, allowing users to switch between text mode and graphical interfaces seamlessly. The flaw emerged from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's handling of command line arguments and configuration parameters, creating exploitable conditions that could be leveraged by local attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically manifested in multiple buffer overflow conditions that occurred when the software processed user-supplied input without proper bounds checking.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the splitvt application, where fixed-size buffers were used to store user input without adequate size validation. When maliciously crafted input exceeded the allocated buffer boundaries, the overflow conditions could overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw was particularly dangerous because it required no network access and could be exploited through local user accounts, making it a significant threat in multi-user environments where privilege escalation was possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extended beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers could leverage these buffer overflows to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining root access to the affected system. The vulnerability's local nature meant that any user with access to the system could potentially exploit it, making it particularly concerning for multi-user environments where different levels of access were expected. This type of attack aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through local system utilities. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities could result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments, as the compromised system could serve as a launch point for additional attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0112 focused primarily on updating to version 1.6.5 or later, which contained patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators were advised to implement immediate security updates and verify that all instances of splitvt were properly patched. Additional protective measures included restricting user access to the utility, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of proper software security practices during development, emphasizing the need for thorough input validation, memory management, and regular security assessments. Organizations were encouraged to maintain updated security patches and to implement robust access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors. The incident served as a reminder of the critical importance of addressing buffer overflow vulnerabilities in system utilities and highlighted the potential for local privilege escalation attacks to result in complete system compromise.