CVE-2002-0138 in CDRDAO
Summary
by MITRE
CDRDAO 1.1.4 and 1.1.5 allows local users to read arbitrary files via the show-data command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0138 affects CDRDAO versions 1.1.4 and 1.1.5, representing a critical security flaw in the optical disc authoring and data extraction utility. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the show-data command implementation, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them against the file system. The vulnerability exists at the command-line interface level where the application does not adequately restrict file access paths, allowing malicious users to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve content from arbitrary locations on the system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22, or Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict file access paths, enabling path traversal attacks. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning any user with access to the CDRDAO application can exploit this weakness without requiring elevated privileges, making it a significant concern for multi-user systems where unauthorized data access could occur.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the show-data command's handling of file path parameters without proper validation mechanisms. When users provide input to this command, the application processes the specified file paths directly without implementing adequate checks to prevent directory traversal or arbitrary file access attempts. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where specially crafted file paths can bypass normal file system restrictions and access files outside the intended scope of the application. The vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack pattern where the application's insufficient validation allows attackers to specify file paths that include directory navigation sequences such as "../" or similar constructs that can move up directory trees and access restricted files. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate file access capabilities to perform unauthorized operations, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0138 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling data exfiltration, information disclosure, and system reconnaissance activities. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can access sensitive files including configuration data, user credentials, system logs, and other confidential information that might be stored on the same system. The vulnerability affects systems where CDRDAO is installed and accessible to local users, creating potential risks for servers, workstations, and development environments where the application might be present. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about the system configuration, identify other potential vulnerabilities, or access files containing sensitive information that should remain protected. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where multiple users have access to systems running vulnerable versions of CDRDAO, as this could lead to unauthorized access to proprietary data, system configurations, or user information. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system, where adversaries can access sensitive information from the compromised system. The potential for privilege escalation or further attack vectors increases when combined with other system weaknesses, making this vulnerability a significant concern for overall system security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0138 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the input validation issues within the show-data command. System administrators should implement access controls to limit local user access to the CDRDAO application, particularly in environments where the application is not essential for legitimate operations. The recommended approach involves patching the application to version 1.1.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and access controls can help reduce the impact of this vulnerability by limiting what files can be accessed even if the vulnerability is exploited. Organizations should also consider disabling or removing the CDRDAO application from systems where it is not required for business operations. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect potential exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in software development, emphasizing that applications should never trust user input and should always validate and sanitize all external data before processing it within the system context.