CVE-2002-0677 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
CDE ToolTalk database server (ttdbserver) allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary memory locations with a zero, and possibly gain privileges, via a file descriptor argument in an AUTH_UNIX procedure call, which is used as a table index by the _TT_ISCLOSE procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The CVE-2002-0677 vulnerability resides within the Common Desktop Environment ToolTalk database server component, specifically manifesting in the ttdbserver process that handles remote procedure calls. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the system processes an AUTH_UNIX procedure call containing a malicious file descriptor argument. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to manipulate memory locations directly, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The issue stems from the _TT_ISCLOSE procedure which treats the file descriptor argument as a table index without proper validation or bounds checking, creating a direct pathway for memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially formatted AUTH_UNIX procedure call that includes an invalid file descriptor value. When the ttdbserver processes this call, it uses the malformed file descriptor as an index into an internal table structure, resulting in memory writes to arbitrary locations within the process address space. This memory corruption can overwrite critical data structures, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the system typically runs with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as heap-based buffer overflow, though it more accurately represents a memory corruption issue through improper index validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems running the Common Desktop Environment, particularly in enterprise environments where remote access capabilities are common. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the affected service, making it highly exploitable in unpatched environments. Organizations utilizing legacy CDE implementations face particular exposure since these systems often lack modern security mitigations and may be running on older operating systems with reduced security controls. The vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve privilege escalation from regular user access to root privileges, depending on the service configuration and execution context. This makes it particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access or system-wide compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0677 should focus on immediate patch deployment from vendor sources, as this vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. System administrators should disable or remove the affected ToolTalk database server component if it is not essential for operations, particularly in environments where it is exposed to untrusted networks. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected service ports, limiting exposure to only trusted administrative hosts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in application code can prevent similar issues, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through local exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potentially affected components within the CDE ecosystem, as this vulnerability may indicate broader security gaps in legacy desktop environments.