CVE-2001-0570 in Minicom
Summary
by MITRE
minicom 1.83.1 and earlier allows a local attacker to gain additional privileges via numerous format string attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0570 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting minicom versions 1.83.1 and earlier. This issue stems from improper input validation within the minicom terminal program, which is widely used for serial communication and modem connections in unix-like systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests through format string attacks that exploit how the program processes user-supplied input during various operational functions. These attacks occur when the application fails to properly sanitize format specifiers in user-provided strings, creating opportunities for malicious input to manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially elevate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple attack vectors within minicom's codebase where format string vulnerabilities exist. When the program encounters user input containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x without proper validation, it can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage these weaknesses to craft malicious input that triggers buffer overflows or memory access violations, ultimately allowing them to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects local users who already have access to the system, enabling them to escalate their privileges to root level access. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation, making it a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0570 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of systems running vulnerable versions of minicom. Local attackers who can execute commands on the system gain the ability to bypass access controls and potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where minicom is installed and used for serial communication, which includes many server environments, embedded systems, and legacy infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because minicom is commonly used in administrative contexts where it may be running with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation directly translate into system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, and T1548 which addresses abuse of system permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to minicom version 1.84 or later where the format string vulnerabilities have been addressed. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization practices throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped or validated before processing. Additional protective measures include restricting local access to systems running minicom, implementing proper privilege separation, and monitoring for suspicious execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, particularly regarding proper handling of user input and avoiding dangerous functions such as printf with untrusted input. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to address such security flaws promptly.