CVE-2001-0208 in Cobol
Summary
by MITRE
MicroFocus Cobol 4.1, with the AppTrack feature enabled, installs the mfaslmf directory and the nolicense file with insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0208 affects MicroFocus Cobol version 4.1 when the AppTrack feature is enabled, presenting a significant privilege escalation risk through insecure file permissions. This issue stems from the improper configuration of system directories and files during the installation process, creating exploitable conditions that allow local attackers to manipulate critical system components. The vulnerability specifically involves the mfaslmf directory and nolicense file which are installed with permissions that permit unauthorized modifications, thereby enabling malicious users to elevate their system privileges.
The technical flaw resides in the installation methodology of MicroFocus Cobol 4.1 where the mfaslmf directory and nolicense file are created with overly permissive access controls. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control implementation. The insecure permissions allow local users to modify these critical files, which can subsequently be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure file permissions that directly enables privilege escalation, aligning with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource and CWE-276: Incorrect Permission Assignment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious security risk for systems running MicroFocus Cobol 4.1 with AppTrack enabled. Local attackers who can access the system can exploit this weakness to modify system files and potentially gain administrative privileges, which could lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who may not have elevated privileges initially. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the system and could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or destruction of critical application components.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper file permission management in enterprise software installations. Security practitioners should consider this issue in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage insecure file permissions to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security assessments during software deployment, particularly for legacy systems that may not follow modern security best practices. Organizations should implement regular security audits to identify similar permission misconfigurations in their software installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate remediation through proper file permission configuration, ensuring that critical system files and directories are protected with appropriate access controls. System administrators should verify that the mfaslmf directory and nolicense file are configured with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized modification. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated security scanning tools to identify similar permission misconfigurations across their infrastructure. The recommended approach aligns with security best practices outlined in the ISO 27001 standard for information security management, which emphasizes the importance of proper access control and privilege management in maintaining system integrity. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to address such vulnerabilities in legacy software environments.