CVE-2001-0193 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in man in some Linux distributions allows local users to gain privileges via a malformed -l parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0193 represents a critical format string flaw within the man command implementation across certain Linux distributions. This issue specifically manifests when the man command processes a malformed -l parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to escalate privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the command's argument parsing mechanism, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into format string operations without adequate sanitization.
This format string vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 classification, which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string functions. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the format string arguments passed to functions like printf or sprintf, potentially leading to memory corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. The local privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability means that an attacker with basic user access can exploit the flaw to gain elevated privileges, typically to root or administrative levels. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal user interaction beyond executing the malicious command with crafted parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be exploited to extract sensitive information from the process memory, potentially exposing passwords, encryption keys, or other confidential data stored in memory. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious -l parameter that contains format specifiers which, when processed by the vulnerable man command, can trigger memory access violations or information leaks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local users might attempt to exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources or escalate their privileges to gain full administrative control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0193 should focus on immediate patching of affected man command implementations and input validation improvements. System administrators should ensure that all Linux distributions are updated with the latest security patches addressing this specific format string vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the man command's argument parsing code can prevent malformed parameters from being processed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local user access and system-level privilege elevation. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious man command usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar format string vulnerabilities in other system utilities and applications to prevent similar issues from being exploited in the future.