CVE-2001-0801 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
lpstat in IRIX 6.5.13f and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges by specifying a Trojan Horse nettype shared library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0801 represents a privilege escalation flaw within the lpstat utility of IRIX operating systems version 6.5.13f and earlier. This issue stems from improper handling of the nettype shared library parameter, creating a dangerous condition where local attackers can manipulate system behavior to achieve elevated privileges. The lpstat command, which is part of the print subsystem in IRIX, is designed to query printer status and configuration information, but it fails to properly validate or sanitize the nettype parameter that specifies network protocols and shared library locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the principle of Trojan horse attacks where malicious code is disguised as legitimate system components. When lpstat processes a specially crafted nettype parameter, it loads shared libraries from user-specified locations without proper validation of their authenticity or integrity. This behavior creates a path for privilege escalation since the loaded library executes with the privileges of the lpstat process, which runs with elevated permissions. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the lpstat utility is installed with setuid root permissions, making it possible for local users to leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk to IRIX systems that have the print subsystem configured with the affected lpstat utility. The attack requires local access to the system, which means an attacker must first gain user-level access before attempting privilege escalation. However, once exploited, the consequences are severe as attackers can execute commands with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system utilities and does not require network access, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based intrusion detection systems.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted data to influence the command execution path through the use of the system command. This flaw also relates to CWE-276, concerning improper privileges, as the utility executes with elevated permissions while failing to validate input parameters properly. The attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how insufficient input validation in system utilities can create dangerous privilege escalation pathways, particularly when those utilities are installed with elevated privileges and execute with root permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of IRIX systems with the appropriate security updates from Silicon Graphics, which would address the improper library loading behavior in lpstat. Administrators should also consider disabling or restricting access to the lpstat utility if it is not essential for system operations. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and using privilege separation techniques can help reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. The recommended approach involves ensuring that shared libraries are loaded from trusted, system-managed locations rather than allowing user-specified paths, and implementing proper input validation to prevent malicious parameters from being processed. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits to identify similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities in other system utilities and ensure that all system components follow secure coding practices that prevent unauthorized privilege escalation through improper input handling.