CVE-2002-0506 in Newt
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in newt.c of newt windowing library (libnewt) 0.50.33 and earlier may allow attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code in setuid programs that use libnewt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0506 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the newt windowing library version 0.50.33 and earlier implementations. This library serves as a foundational component for text-based user interfaces in various system administration tools and applications. The flaw specifically resides in the newt.c file where improper input validation occurs during buffer handling operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise system integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the library's string manipulation functions. When setuid programs utilize libnewt for their user interface components, the buffer overflow can be triggered through malformed input parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space. This condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects programs running with elevated privileges, as the newt library is commonly integrated into system administration tools that require root access for their operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0506 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected setuid programs, potentially escalating their access to system-level control. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including package managers, system configuration tools, and network administration utilities that rely on the newt library for their text-based interfaces. This creates a significant attack surface where a single vulnerable component can compromise multiple system functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to upgrade to libnewt versions containing the necessary buffer overflow protections. System administrators should prioritize updating all instances of the newt library, particularly in environments where setuid programs are prevalent. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insecure memory handling can lead to privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications utilizing vulnerable versions of libnewt and ensure proper input validation is implemented in all user interface components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of vulnerable system libraries to gain elevated system access.