CVE-2002-0174 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
nsd on SGI IRIX before 6.5.11 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and gain root privileges via a symlink attack on the nsd.dump file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0174 affects the nsd nameserver daemon running on SGI IRIX operating systems prior to version 6.5.11. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits a race condition in the nsd.dump file handling mechanism. The vulnerability specifically targets the nsd service which is responsible for DNS name resolution services on IRIX systems, making it a significant concern for network infrastructure security.
The technical flaw stems from improper file handling during the nsd daemon's operation where it creates and manages the nsd.dump file without adequate security checks. Local attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links in strategic locations that the nsd process will subsequently overwrite, leading to arbitrary file overwrite conditions. This symlink attack vector allows unprivileged users to manipulate the file system in ways that can result in privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-59 as "Improper Link Resolution Without Limiting Recursion" and represents a classic race condition attack pattern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local users with a direct path to achieve root privileges on affected systems. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete control over the compromised IRIX system, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, system modification, or use as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The attack requires local access but provides remote attackers with the ability to escalate privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local accounts might be compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the nsd daemon to version 6.5.11 or later on all affected SGI IRIX systems. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the ability of local users to create symbolic links in critical directories. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns and implementing the principle of least privilege can help reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and specifically demonstrates how local privilege escalation techniques can be leveraged in Unix-like environments to achieve system-level control. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.