CVE-2001-0916 in Pmake
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Berkeley parallel make (pmake) 2.1.33 and earlier allows a local user to gain root privileges via a long check argument of a shell definition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0916 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Berkeley parallel make utility version 2.1.33 and earlier releases. This issue resides in the handling of shell definitions where the pmake tool fails to properly validate input length when processing check arguments, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to escalate privileges to root level access. The flaw specifically manifests when the tool processes shell command definitions that contain excessively long check arguments, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated for privilege escalation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the pmake implementation where buffer boundaries are not properly enforced during shell definition processing. When a malicious user provides a shell definition with an overly long check argument, the program writes data beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including return addresses and control data. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, as the program continues execution in a compromised state. The vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which classifies heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond allocated memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running vulnerable versions of pmake, particularly those where local users might have access to makefile modifications or system configuration. The local privilege escalation aspect means that attackers do not require network access or complex attack vectors, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user access is not strictly controlled. The attack scenario typically involves a local user crafting a malicious makefile with an oversized check argument that, when processed by pmake, triggers the buffer overflow and allows for root privilege acquisition. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting local account privilege escalation methods that exploit software vulnerabilities.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate privilege escalation as it can serve as a foothold for further system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. Organizations running vulnerable versions of pmake should consider immediate remediation through patching or upgrading to versions that address this buffer overflow condition. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying vendor-specific patches or upgrading to newer versions of pmake that implement proper input validation and buffer boundary checking mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should review and restrict access to makefile modification capabilities where possible, implementing least privilege principles to minimize the attack surface for such local privilege escalation vectors.