CVE-2001-1153 in OpenUnix
Summary
by MITRE
lpsystem in OpenUnix 8.0.0 allows local users to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1153 affects the lpsystem component within OpenUnix 8.0.0 operating system, representing a classic buffer overflow condition that demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in system-level software. This flaw exists within the print system functionality that handles command line arguments, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The issue manifests when the system processes a command line argument that exceeds predetermined buffer limits, allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represent a fundamental weakness in memory management practices that have persisted across decades of software development. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who already have authenticated presence on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable arbitrary code execution, which represents a significant escalation in threat capabilities. When a local user provides an excessively long command line argument, the system's failure to properly bounds-check the input allows memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution elements such as return addresses or function pointers. This type of exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and demonstrates how seemingly benign system utilities can become attack vectors when input handling is inadequate. The vulnerability's potential for code execution means that an attacker with local access could elevate privileges or compromise system integrity, potentially leading to full system takeover.
The technical implementation of this flaw reveals fundamental issues in the OpenUnix 8.0.0 print system design, where proper input sanitization and buffer management procedures were either absent or inadequately implemented. The lpsystem component likely employs fixed-size buffers without adequate overflow detection mechanisms, creating a predictable attack surface that adversaries can exploit through carefully crafted input sequences. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy system components often lack modern security hardening measures, particularly in environments where security considerations were not prioritized during the initial development phases. The absence of stack canaries, address space layout randomization, or other modern exploit mitigations in this system version significantly increases the exploitability of the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should recognize that systems running vulnerable versions of OpenUnix 8.0.0 require immediate remediation through patching or system replacement, as local privilege escalation opportunities like this represent persistent security risks that can be leveraged by both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained initial access through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1153 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenUnix systems, as this vulnerability represents an unmitigated risk that can be exploited by any local user with basic system access. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation procedures for all command line interfaces, ensuring that argument length limitations are enforced before any processing occurs. The implementation of additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, user privilege limiting, and network segmentation can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other system components and legacy software that may be vulnerable to similar attacks. Regular security auditing and code review processes should be implemented to prevent such issues from occurring in future system development cycles, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and defensive programming techniques that align with industry standards and best practices established by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.