CVE-2001-0575 in OpenServer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in lpshut in SCO OpenServer 5.0.6 can allow a local attacker to gain additional privileges via a long first argument to lpshut.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0575 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the lpshut utility of SCO OpenServer 5.0.6 operating system. This issue affects the local privilege escalation capabilities of the system and stems from improper input validation in the command line argument handling mechanism. The lpshut utility, designed to shut down the line printer daemon service, fails to properly sanitize the first argument passed to it, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious local users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker provides an excessively long first argument to the lpshut command, causing a buffer overflow in the program's memory allocation. This overflow allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or other critical program variables. The flaw exists due to the absence of proper bounds checking in the argument parsing routine, which directly violates the principles of secure coding practices outlined in CWE-121. The vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow since the program's stack memory is corrupted during the overflow condition, enabling arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0575 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a direct path to elevated system access. Local attackers who can execute commands on the system can leverage this vulnerability to gain root privileges, effectively compromising the entire operating environment. The exploitation process requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within a utility that typically runs with elevated permissions, making the attack vector particularly dangerous for system administrators. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities to gain higher system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures. System administrators should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow condition in lpshut utility. Additionally, implementing proper input validation controls and bounds checking mechanisms within all system utilities can prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the execution permissions of lpshut and other system utilities to only those users who absolutely require them. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. Regular security audits of system utilities and input validation routines can help identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, aligning with defensive practices recommended in the CWE guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions.