CVE-2002-0184 in sudo
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in sudo before 1.6.6 may allow local users to gain root privileges via special characters in the -p (prompt) argument, which are not properly expanded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0184 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the sudo command prior to version 1.6.6. This flaw exists within the handling of the -p (prompt) argument where special characters are not properly expanded, creating a condition that can be exploited by local attackers to escalate their privileges to root level access. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the sudo utility's prompt processing mechanism, which allows attackers to manipulate the heap memory structure through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves constructing malicious input for the -p argument that triggers the buffer overflow condition during the prompt expansion process. When sudo processes the prompt argument, it fails to properly account for the length of expanded special characters, leading to memory corruption in the heap allocation. This heap corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses or function pointers, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the way sudo handles escape sequences and special character expansions within the prompt string, creating a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be systematically exploited.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0184 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Unix-like systems that rely on sudo for controlled privilege delegation. Local users who can execute sudo commands with restricted permissions can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete system control, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as users typically only need the ability to run sudo commands to trigger the flaw. This makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating sudo to version 1.6.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper prompt expansion handling and buffer boundary checks. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict input validation policies for sudo configurations and consider restricting sudo usage through more granular access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as it enables local users to escalate their privileges through the exploitation of a software vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sudo usage patterns and prompt argument manipulation that could indicate exploitation attempts.