CVE-2001-0920 in Autonice Daemon
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in auto nice daemon (AND) 1.0.4 and earlier allows a local user to possibly execute arbitrary code via a process name containing a format string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2019
The CVE-2001-0920 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw in the auto nice daemon version 1.0.4 and earlier releases, which operates as a system service designed to automatically adjust process priorities based on system load. This daemon typically runs with elevated privileges to modify process scheduling parameters, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation within the daemon's handling of process names, where user-supplied data is directly passed to printf-style functions without adequate sanitization. When a malicious user crafts a process name containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, the daemon's vulnerable code interprets these sequences as formatting directives rather than literal text, leading to unpredictable behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the auto nice daemon processes a maliciously crafted process name that contains format string specifiers. During normal operation, the daemon logs or displays process information using functions like printf or fprintf without proper validation of the input data. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating processes with specially crafted names that contain format specifiers, allowing them to read arbitrary memory locations, write data to memory addresses, or potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where the daemon typically runs with root privileges, enabling local attackers to escalate their privileges and gain full system control. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0920 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's process management and scheduling mechanisms. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The daemon's role in automatically adjusting process priorities means that an attacker could manipulate system behavior to hide malicious processes or interfere with legitimate system operations. Additionally, the vulnerability affects system stability as the format string exploitation can cause memory corruption, leading to system crashes or unpredictable behavior. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no network connectivity and can be executed locally, making it difficult to detect through network monitoring systems. Organizations running affected versions of the auto nice daemon face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by any local user with basic system access, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installations and comprehensive system compromise. The remediation strategy involves updating to a patched version of the auto nice daemon where proper input validation and sanitization has been implemented to prevent format string exploitation, along with implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual process creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.