CVE-2001-1024 in getAccess
Summary
by MITRE
login.gas.bat and other CGI scripts in Entrust getAccess allow remote attackers to execute Java programs, and possibly arbitrary commands, by specifying an alternate -classpath argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1024 resides within the Entrust getAccess software suite, specifically targeting the login.gas.bat and other CGI scripts that form part of the web-based authentication infrastructure. This critical flaw stems from improper input validation and insecure command execution mechanisms within the Java-based web applications. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary Java classpath arguments that can lead to unauthorized code execution. The affected scripts operate within a web server environment where they handle authentication requests and process user credentials through Java applets and servlets.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of command-line arguments passed to the Java runtime environment. Attackers can specify alternate -classpath arguments that redirect the Java Virtual Machine to load malicious classes from unauthorized locations, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. This flaw aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java programs and potentially arbitrary system commands, representing a severe privilege escalation vector that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure. The attack surface expands significantly as the compromised scripts can leverage the elevated privileges of the web server process to access sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system control, data theft, and persistence mechanisms. The affected Entrust getAccess environment represents a critical security control point within many enterprise authentication infrastructures, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can serve as a gateway to broader network compromise. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell, where adversaries use command-line interfaces to execute malicious code, and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where initial access leads to higher-level system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1024 require immediate patching of the affected Entrust getAccess software to address the insecure parameter handling and command execution flaws. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized classpath manipulation, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being passed to Java runtime environments. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the vulnerable CGI scripts and web applications, while also monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Security professionals should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting the privileges of web server processes can help contain the impact of potential exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should also include reviewing and hardening the Java runtime configuration to prevent unauthorized classpath modifications and ensure that only trusted code can be executed within the web application environment.