CVE-2002-0498 in Totalview
Summary
by MITRE
Etnus TotalView 5.0.0-4 installs certain files with UID 5039 and GID 59, which could allow local users with that UID or GID to modify the files and gain privileges as other TotalView users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0498 affects Etnus TotalView version 5.0.0-4, a widely used debugging tool for software development environments. This issue stems from improper file permission settings during the installation process, creating a significant security weakness that could be exploited by local attackers. The flaw specifically involves the assignment of specific user and group identifiers during installation, which creates potential privilege escalation pathways within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper ownership assignment of critical installation files. When TotalView 5.0.0-4 is installed on a system, certain files are created with UID 5039 and GID 59, which are typically non-standard identifiers used for specific user accounts. This configuration allows any local user who possesses either of these identifiers to modify the installed files, potentially gaining access to functionality that should be restricted to authorized users. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure file permissions that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for systems running TotalView, particularly in multi-user environments where different developers or administrators may have varying levels of access rights. Local users who can authenticate as the specified UID or GID can exploit this weakness to modify the debugging tool's files, potentially leading to privilege escalation attacks that could allow them to execute commands with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple file modification, as these changes could compromise the integrity of the debugging environment and potentially provide attackers with access to sensitive code or system information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: "Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource" and demonstrates the importance of proper privilege management in software deployment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local privilege escalation through insecure file permissions. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where system resources are unnecessarily exposed to unauthorized access. Organizations using TotalView should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to the same systems.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate remediation through patching or updating to a newer version of TotalView that addresses this permission issue. System administrators should verify that installed files have appropriate ownership and permissions, ensuring that no critical system components are accessible to unauthorized users. Additionally, implementing proper access control measures and conducting regular security audits of installed software can help identify similar vulnerabilities across the system infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation of such permission-based vulnerabilities.