CVE-2001-1327 in pmake
Summary
by MITRE
pmake before 2.1.35 in Turbolinux 6.05 and earlier is installed with setuid root privileges, which could allow local users to gain privileges by exploiting vulnerabilities in pmake or programs that are used by pmake.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1327 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw in the pmake build tool that affected Turbolinux 6.05 and earlier versions. This issue stems from the improper installation of pmake with setuid root privileges, creating a significant security risk within the affected systems. The vulnerability exists because pmake was configured to run with elevated privileges, allowing local users to potentially exploit weaknesses in the program or its dependencies to execute arbitrary code with root access. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks where a local attacker can leverage a misconfigured setuid binary to elevate their privileges from regular user to root level.
The technical flaw in pmake lies in its execution model and privilege management approach. When a program is installed with setuid root permissions, it executes with root privileges regardless of which user invokes it. This design pattern is inherently dangerous when the program contains vulnerabilities that can be exploited through input manipulation or command injection. The pmake utility, which is a make implementation used for building software packages, was not properly secured against exploitation attempts. Attackers could potentially manipulate the build process or supply malicious input that would be executed with root privileges, effectively allowing them to bypass normal access controls and gain complete system control. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276 as improper privilege management, where the system fails to properly enforce privilege separation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for systems running affected versions of pmake. Local users who can access the system can exploit this weakness to gain root access, which provides them with complete control over the system. This includes the ability to modify or delete any files, install malicious software, create new user accounts, and access sensitive data. The risk is particularly high in multi-user environments where multiple users have legitimate access to the system, as any compromised account could potentially be used to escalate privileges and gain administrative control. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of the system's security model, as it undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege that should govern all system operations. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves updating pmake to version 2.1.35 or later, where the setuid root permissions have been properly addressed. System administrators should also review all setuid binaries on the system to ensure they are properly configured and do not contain unnecessary privileges. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The use of privilege separation techniques and proper input validation in build tools can prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts against setuid binaries.