CVE-2001-1093 in Tru64
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in msgchk in Digital UNIX 4.0G and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1093 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the msgchk utility component of Digital UNIX operating systems version 4.0G and earlier releases. This issue specifically affects the message checking functionality that processes command line arguments, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code within the system environment. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check command line parameters passed to the msgchk utility, allowing attackers to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the msgchk utility receives command line arguments that exceed the predefined buffer size allocated for processing. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite the return address and other critical stack variables. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw operates through the standard Unix command line argument processing mechanisms, where each argument is passed as a string parameter that gets copied into fixed-size buffers without proper length validation. When the input exceeds the buffer capacity, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities for local attackers who possess basic user-level access. Since the vulnerability exists within a system utility that typically runs with elevated privileges, successful exploitation can result in complete system control without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system functionality rather than requiring specialized malware delivery mechanisms, making detection more challenging. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as attackers can leverage the system's own tools to gain unauthorized access. The local nature of this vulnerability means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it, making it a significant concern for multi-user environments and systems with less restrictive access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1093 should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Digital Equipment Corporation for Digital UNIX 4.0G and earlier versions. System administrators must ensure that all affected systems receive the appropriate security updates that address the buffer overflow condition in msgchk utility. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms within applications and system utilities can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain restricted. Network segmentation and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous command line usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar buffer overflow conditions in other system utilities and applications, as this represents a common class of vulnerabilities that can be exploited across multiple components of the operating system infrastructure.