CVE-2001-0915 in Pmake
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Berkeley parallel make (pmake) 2.1.33 and earlier allows a local user to gain root privileges via format specifiers in the check argument of a shell definition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0915 represents a critical format string flaw within Berkeley parallel make version 2.1.33 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides in the handling of shell command arguments during the make process execution, specifically when processing check arguments within shell definitions. The flaw occurs when pmake processes user-provided input without proper validation or sanitization, creating an opportunity for malicious input to be interpreted as format specifiers rather than literal command arguments.
This format string vulnerability operates through the exploitation of improper input handling mechanisms within the make utility's shell command processing subsystem. When pmake encounters a shell definition containing a check argument that includes format specifiers, the system fails to properly escape or validate these special characters before passing them to underlying printf-like functions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to craft malicious input that can manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings in contexts where user input is not properly sanitized. This weakness directly enables attackers to perform memory corruption attacks, data leakage, and arbitrary code execution through carefully crafted format specifiers.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only local user access to exploit, making it accessible to users with minimal system privileges. The exploitation process typically involves creating a malicious makefile that contains specially crafted format specifiers in shell check arguments, which then get processed by pmake during compilation or execution phases. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities for privilege escalation, and T1059 which addresses the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0915 should include immediate patching of affected pmake versions to 2.1.34 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement strict input validation policies for makefiles and shell command arguments, ensuring that all user-provided input undergoes proper sanitization before processing. Additionally, privilege separation techniques should be employed to limit the scope of potential exploitation, and monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous makefile execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation in system utilities and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices to prevent format string vulnerabilities in software development.