CVE-2002-0327 in TERM
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Century Software TERM allows local users to gain root privileges via a long tty argument to the callin program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0327 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the Century Software TERM system that enables local privilege escalation. This issue specifically affects the callin program component of the software suite, which is designed to handle terminal connections and user authentication processes. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing the tty argument parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious local users to elevate their privileges to root level access. The affected system configuration typically involves Unix-based environments where the TERM software is installed and utilized for terminal management.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied input within the callin program. When a local user provides an excessively long tty argument to the callin program, the software fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer located in memory. This insufficient validation allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or other critical program variables. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows memory to be overwritten, and specifically relates to CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. The vulnerability operates under the principle that untrusted input should never be trusted without proper sanitization and validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Local users who can execute the callin program with sufficient permissions can exploit this flaw to gain root privileges, effectively bypassing all standard access controls and security mechanisms. This type of local privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal attack surface and can be executed from within the system itself. The vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including direct command execution or by crafting specific arguments that overwrite program execution flow. Such attacks can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access to the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0327 should focus on both immediate patching and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the buffer overflow condition by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that the callin program runs with minimal required permissions and that local users have restricted access to potentially vulnerable system components. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious command line arguments and implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1548, which encompasses privilege escalation techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit logs to track any unauthorized privilege escalation activities that may occur.