CVE-2002-0218 in Base
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in (1) sastcpd in SAS/Base 8.0 and 8.1 or (2) objspawn in SAS/Integration Technologies 8.0 and 8.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format specifiers in a command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0218 represents a critical format string flaw affecting SAS software components that enables local privilege escalation through arbitrary code execution. This issue impacts two distinct SAS products including sastcpd in SAS/Base 8.0 and 8.1 versions and objspawn in SAS/Integration Technologies 8.0 and 8.1 releases. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within these applications where command line arguments containing format specifiers are directly processed without adequate sanitization or parameter validation. When these applications encounter format specifiers in user-provided input, they interpret these characters as instructions for formatting output rather than as literal data, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker crafts specific command line arguments containing format string specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x that manipulate the application's memory access patterns. These specifiers can cause the vulnerable applications to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or complete arbitrary code execution. The flaw falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization, making it a classic example of improper input handling in security-critical applications. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service or process. Since these applications typically run with elevated permissions, successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using legacy SAS software versions where patching may not be immediately available, creating extended exposure windows. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The local nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation requires physical access or pre-existing low-privilege access, but once achieved, the impact can be devastating.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0218 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SAS software versions to address the root cause through proper input validation and format string handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate all command line arguments before processing them within the application context. System administrators should consider implementing privilege separation techniques where applications run with minimal required privileges rather than elevated permissions. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting lateral movement within the infrastructure. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command line argument patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other legacy applications within the organization's infrastructure.