CVE-2001-1028 in man
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ultimate_source function of man 1.5 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1028 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the man command version 1.5 and earlier releases, specifically within the ultimate_source function. This issue manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when processing user-supplied input through the manual page viewer utility. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the function responsible for handling source file paths and command line arguments, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw exists in the core functionality of the manual page system, which is widely used across unix-like operating systems for accessing documentation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, as the man command typically runs with sufficient permissions to access system resources and potentially modify critical files.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the ultimate_source function processes command line arguments without proper validation of input length. When a user provides an excessively long argument string, the function fails to check whether the input exceeds the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited locally, making it accessible to any user with shell access on the affected system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted command line argument that triggers the buffer overflow, potentially leading to privilege escalation from regular user to root level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1028 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it represents a significant threat to system integrity and security posture. Any local user who can execute the man command with sufficient privileges can potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. This flaw particularly affects systems where the man command is frequently used and where users might have shell access but not direct administrative privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install backdoors, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact exploit that can be automated and deployed across multiple systems simultaneously, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where numerous systems may be running vulnerable versions of the man command. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how buffer overflows can be weaponized to achieve elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1028 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of additional security controls. The most effective solution involves upgrading to man command versions 1.6 or later, where the buffer overflow vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should also implement privilege separation measures, ensuring that the man command runs with minimal required permissions and that users cannot manipulate command line arguments in ways that could trigger the vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing input sanitization at the system level, monitoring for unusual man command usage patterns, and conducting regular security audits to identify potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation, which should be enforced across all system utilities to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their infrastructure.