CVE-2001-1128 in Progress
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Progress database 8.3D and 9.1C allows local users to execute arbitrary code via long entries in files that are specified by the (1) PROMSGS or (2) PROTERMCAP environment variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1128 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Progress database versions 8.3D and 9.1C that exposes systems to local privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of environment variables PROMSGS and PROTERMCAP, which are utilized by the database system to manage message files and terminal capabilities respectively. The flaw occurs when the system processes excessively long entries within these environment variables, causing memory corruption that can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the database's environment variable processing routines. When the system encounters malformed or overly long entries in PROMSGS or PROTERMCAP, the buffer management functions fail to properly validate the input length before copying data into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition creates a situation where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses, stack pointers, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is particularly dangerous due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations running Progress database systems, as local users who can manipulate environment variables can leverage this flaw to gain elevated system privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability is local in nature and does not require network access or remote exploitation capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify critical system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 for locally executed code and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an understanding of the specific memory layout and environment variable handling within Progress database implementations. Attackers typically craft malicious entries for PROMSGS or PROTERMCAP that contain carefully constructed data to overwrite the stack and redirect program execution flow. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was particularly problematic in enterprise environments where database administrators might have elevated privileges and where local access could be obtained through various legitimate means. The long-term implications of this vulnerability include the potential for persistent access and data breaches, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with a foothold that is difficult to detect and remove. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest database versions, restricting local user access to critical system components, and monitoring for unusual environment variable modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.