CVE-2001-1101 in Firewall-1
Summary
by MITRE
The Log Viewer function in the Check Point FireWall-1 GUI for Solaris 3.0b through 4.1 SP2 does not check for the existence of .log files when saving files, which allows (1) remote authenticated users to overwrite arbitrary files ending in .log , or (2) local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1101 represents a critical file system security flaw within the Check Point FireWall-1 GUI interface for Solaris operating systems. This issue affects versions 3.0b through 4.1 Service Pack 2, where the Log Viewer functionality fails to properly validate file existence before performing save operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper file handling mechanisms that allow malicious actors to exploit the system's trust in file extensions and paths. The vulnerability specifically targets the .log file extension, which serves as the primary attack vector for both remote and local exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of file system security by bypassing proper access controls and file validation procedures. When users attempt to save log files through the GUI interface, the system does not verify whether the target file already exists or whether the path points to a legitimate location. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the save process by creating symbolic links or by directly specifying file paths that lead to critical system files. Remote authenticated users can leverage this flaw to overwrite arbitrary .log files on the system, while local users can execute more sophisticated symlink attacks that allow them to overwrite any file on the system that they have write permissions for. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-59, which addresses failure to check for the existence of files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwriting, as it creates potential for privilege escalation and system compromise. Remote attackers with valid authentication credentials can systematically overwrite critical log files or even system configuration files, potentially leading to denial of service or complete system takeover. Local attackers can exploit the symlink mechanism to overwrite sensitive files such as system binaries, configuration files, or user data, which could result in persistent backdoors or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to maintain access even after initial exploitation, since the compromised files may be used for ongoing system operations. This flaw demonstrates a significant gap in the application's security model, as it fails to implement proper file access controls and path validation mechanisms that are fundamental to secure application design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1101 must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive defensive measures. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches and updates for Check Point FireWall-1 versions 3.0b through 4.1 SP2, which typically include proper file existence checks and validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and monitor log file modifications for suspicious activity, particularly around the .log file extensions. The implementation of proper file system permissions, including restrictive access controls on log directories and symbolic link restrictions, can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual file access patterns and unauthorized file overwrites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1546, which addresses exploitation of system process for privilege escalation, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.