CVE-2001-1576 in UnixWare
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in cron in Caldera UnixWare 7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a command line argument.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1576 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the cron daemon implementation of Caldera UnixWare 7 operating system. This issue resides in the command line argument processing mechanism of the cron service, which is responsible for scheduling and executing automated tasks on Unix-like systems. The buffer overflow occurs when the cron daemon processes command line arguments without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a pathway for local attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the cron process and potentially gain elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the classic buffer overflow attack pattern where an attacker crafts a specially formatted command line argument that exceeds the allocated buffer size. When the cron daemon attempts to process this oversized input, it overwrites the stack frame, potentially corrupting return addresses and control data. The CWE-121 category classification applies here as this represents a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption. The attack vector requires local system access since the vulnerability exists within a service that typically runs with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe than remote exploitation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to UnixWare 7 systems as cron is a fundamental component for system automation and maintenance tasks. The local execution capability means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation may be inadequate. The ability to execute arbitrary code through cron manipulation directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or escalate privileges to root access, effectively undermining the entire security posture of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1576 should focus on immediate patching of the UnixWare 7 system with the vendor-provided security update that addresses the buffer overflow in the cron implementation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting local access to system resources and monitoring cron execution for unusual patterns. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.003 technique applies here as this vulnerability enables execution of commands through the cron service, while T1068 represents the privilege escalation potential. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Caldera UnixWare 7 and ensure all systems receive proper security updates. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in custom cron implementations or other system services.