CVE-2002-0093 in Tru64
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ipcs for HP Tru64 UNIX 4.0f through 5.1a may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, a different vulnerability than CVE-2001-0423.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0093 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the ipcs utility component of HP Tru64 UNIX operating systems spanning versions 4.0f through 5.1a. This issue resides within the inter-process communication status reporting tool that administrators use to monitor shared memory segments, message queues, and semaphore arrays within the system. The ipcs utility serves as a fundamental diagnostic tool for system administrators managing multiprocessing environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be exploited to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw specifically manifests when the utility processes certain command line arguments or input parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ipcs utility's argument parsing routines. When processing user-supplied arguments, the software fails to properly bounds-check the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, which directly maps to CWE-121. This classic stack-based buffer overflow allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data within the program's memory space. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2001-0423 in that it targets the ipcs utility specifically rather than other system components, making it a distinct attack surface that requires separate remediation efforts. The overflow can be triggered through carefully crafted command line parameters that cause the program to write beyond its allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the ipcs utility process. Since this utility typically runs with elevated privileges in system administration contexts, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because the ipcs utility is commonly used in automated scripts and system monitoring processes, increasing the likelihood of exploitation in real-world scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through system utilities.
System administrators should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for HP Tru64 UNIX versions 4.0f through 5.1a, which address the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking. Additionally, restricting execution permissions on the ipcs utility for non-privileged users and monitoring for unusual usage patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in system utilities and highlights how seemingly benign administrative tools can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to potential attackers, as this vulnerability could be exploited remotely if the ipcs utility is accessible through network services or accessible via compromised accounts with appropriate privileges.