CVE-2001-0762 in su-wrapper
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in su-wrapper 1.1.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0762 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the su-wrapper utility version 1.1.1, which operates as a setuid root program designed to facilitate user privilege escalation. This particular implementation defect occurs when the su-wrapper processes command line arguments, specifically the first argument passed to it, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability resides in the manner in which the program handles input validation and memory allocation for argument processing, fundamentally violating secure coding practices that are essential for maintaining system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs through the manipulation of the first command line argument passed to the su-wrapper program, where an attacker can craft an excessively long argument string that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This overflow condition typically manifests when the program fails to properly validate the length of input arguments before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers. The flaw enables an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or other critical program state information, thereby allowing arbitrary code execution with root privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes that can occur in heap or stack memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system, enabling them to modify system files, install persistent backdoors, and access sensitive data without detection. Since the vulnerability is local in nature, attackers do not require network connectivity to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. The su-wrapper utility typically serves as a legitimate mechanism for users to switch to different user accounts, making this vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be exploited through normal system usage patterns. Attackers can leverage this condition to bypass security controls that rely on proper privilege management, effectively undermining the principle of least privilege and creating persistent access vectors for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0762 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the su-wrapper utility to properly validate input arguments and implement proper buffer size checking before copying data into memory buffers. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional controls such as disabling or restricting access to the su-wrapper binary where possible, especially in environments where local privilege escalation is not strictly required. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual command line arguments or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as maintain current vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other setuid programs that may present analogous risks.