CVE-2002-0144 in chuid
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in chuid 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to change the ownership of files outside of the upload directory via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0144 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the chuid utility version 1.2 and earlier, which operates under the broader category of path traversal attacks classified under CWE-22. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where chuid is used to manage file ownership and permissions, particularly in web server environments where file uploads are processed. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of directory path references, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms through carefully crafted file names containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a file name containing .. (dot dot) sequences that are not properly sanitized or filtered by the chuid utility. When the system processes such filenames, it fails to adequately validate the paths, allowing the utility to interpret the traversal sequences and execute file ownership changes beyond the intended upload directory boundaries. This behavior creates a privilege escalation scenario where unauthorized users can manipulate file ownership in directories outside the designated upload area, potentially gaining access to sensitive system files or compromising the integrity of other user data. The vulnerability specifically leverages the Unix/Linux file system's path resolution mechanism, where .. sequences are interpreted as parent directory references, bypassing normal access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0144 extends beyond simple file ownership manipulation, as it can enable attackers to perform broader system compromise activities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially modify critical system files, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to restricted directories, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or web applications where chuid is used for file management operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables unauthorized system command execution through file manipulation. Additionally, this flaw can contribute to broader compromise scenarios by allowing attackers to establish persistence mechanisms or create backdoors through manipulated file ownership, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0144 require immediate patching of the chuid utility to version 1.3 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that reject or sanitize any filename containing directory traversal sequences, ensuring that all file operations occur within designated safe directories. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no other utilities or applications in the system exhibit similar directory traversal vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in file handling processes. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file ownership changes that might indicate exploitation attempts.