CVE-2001-0369 in Unix
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in lpsched on DGUX version R4.20MU06 and MU02 allows a local attacker to obtain root access via a long command line argument (non-existent printer name).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0369 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw in the lpsched daemon component of DGUX operating systems version R4.20MU06 and MU02. This buffer overflow occurs within the print scheduling service that manages printer jobs and queue operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the lpsched daemon processes command line arguments, particularly when handling non-existent printer names that exceed buffer capacity limits. The vulnerability resides in the daemon's insufficient input validation mechanisms, allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. According to CWE-121, this corresponds to a stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions. The security implications extend beyond simple memory corruption as the vulnerability enables privilege escalation from local user to root access level.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local attacker with access to the system to craft a specially formatted command line argument containing an excessively long printer name parameter. When the lpsched daemon processes this malformed input, the buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite the return address on the stack, potentially redirecting program execution flow. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses local privilege escalation vectors. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within a system service that typically runs with elevated privileges, making the potential for privilege escalation particularly severe. The buffer overflow vulnerability creates a predictable memory layout where the attacker can control the execution path through precise manipulation of the overflowed buffer contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity threats. Once root access is obtained through this vector, attackers can manipulate system files, install backdoors, modify security configurations, and access sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability affects systems running DGUX R4.20MU06 and MU02 versions, which were enterprise-level operating systems used in mission-critical environments. Organizations running these systems faced significant exposure since local attackers could leverage this flaw without requiring network access or advanced exploitation techniques. The impact is particularly severe in environments where local access is not strictly controlled, as any user with login privileges could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain complete system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0369 involve immediate patching of affected DGUX systems with vendor-provided security updates that address the buffer overflow in lpsched. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls and parameter sanitization within the print scheduling subsystem to prevent malformed arguments from being processed. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries would provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit local user access to system services. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other system components and implement robust code review processes that adhere to secure coding practices. According to NIST guidelines for vulnerability management, immediate remediation is essential for vulnerabilities with known exploitation methods, particularly those enabling privilege escalation. Regular system hardening procedures and security monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain system integrity.