CVE-2001-0928 in libgtop Daemon
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the permitted function of GNOME gtop daemon (libgtop_daemon) in libgtop 1.0.13 and earlier may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long authentication data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0928 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GNOME gtop daemon component known as libgtop_daemon. This issue affects libgtop versions 1.0.13 and earlier, where the permitted function fails to properly validate input lengths during authentication processes. The flaw resides in the handling of authentication data, specifically when the daemon receives lengthy authentication parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic security weakness where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the gtop daemon's authentication mechanism. When legitimate authentication data is processed, the system does not adequately verify the length of incoming parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This lack of input sanitization creates a scenario where an attacker can craft maliciously long authentication strings that exceed the buffer capacity. The CWE-121 classification applies directly to this vulnerability, as it involves stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when data is copied into a buffer without proper boundary checks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over remote network connections, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability without physical access to the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0928 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential paths to establish persistent access within networked environments. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow can allow remote code execution with the privileges of the gtop daemon process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to monitor system resources. This presents a significant risk to desktop environments running GNOME desktop managers, as attackers could gain access to system monitoring capabilities and potentially use them as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1068 technique for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as the successful exploitation can lead to increased system access rights. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in a widely-used desktop environment component makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise end-user systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0928 must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to libgtop versions 1.0.14 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking implementations. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable gtop daemon, particularly in environments where the daemon is exposed to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include enabling address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult, though these provide only partial protection against such vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper input validation and length checking mechanisms should be enforced across all authentication components, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow conditions in other system components that may pose similar risks.