CVE-2001-0918 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerabilities in CGI scripts in susehelp in SuSE 7.2 and 7.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by not opening files securely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0918 resides within the susehelp component of SuSE Linux versions 7.2 and 7.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote command execution through improper file handling in CGI scripts. This issue manifests when CGI scripts fail to properly secure file operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insecure file handling practices that were prevalent in early linux distributions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the CGI scripts within susehelp not implementing secure file access mechanisms, which allows attackers to manipulate file paths and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper file validation and secure file opening procedures in the CGI environment, enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected SuSE versions as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access and execute commands without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence.
The security implications of CVE-2001-0918 align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and command execution. This vulnerability enables attackers to move from initial access to persistent presence on the target system, supporting techniques such as privilege escalation through exploitation of insecure file handling and execution of malicious payloads. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigations include applying security patches immediately, implementing proper input validation for file operations, and ensuring that CGI scripts follow secure coding practices. Additionally, regular security audits of web applications and system components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar insecure file handling practices that could lead to command execution vulnerabilities.