CVE-2002-0716 in OpenServer
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in crontab for SCO OpenServer 5.0.5 and 5.0.6 allows local users to gain privileges via format string specifiers in the file name argument.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0716 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the crontab utility of SCO OpenServer versions 5.0.5 and 5.0.6. This flaw resides in the way the system processes user-supplied input when handling file name arguments, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the crontab command processes format specifiers within file names provided by local users, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as formatting directives rather than literal file paths. Such a design flaw fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the system by enabling unauthorized privilege elevation through carefully crafted input manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the crontab utility's argument parsing mechanism. When users provide file name arguments to crontab, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape format specifiers that may be present in the input string. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject format string directives such as %n, %s, or %x that are typically used in printf-style functions to control output formatting. The vulnerability operates at the application level where user input directly influences how the program processes and displays information, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or manipulate memory structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system integrity and security posture. Local users who can execute the crontab command can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges to root level access, effectively bypassing normal access controls and authorization mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can potentially allow attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the operating system. The vulnerability affects systems running SCO OpenServer 5.0.5 and 5.0.6, representing a substantial security gap in these enterprise operating systems that were widely used in business environments during that time period.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, and it maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and execution through command injection. The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires local access but can result in complete system compromise, making it a high-priority issue for system administrators to address. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches, restricting crontab access to authorized users only, and implementing input validation controls to prevent format specifiers from being processed as command arguments. Additionally, monitoring for unusual crontab usage patterns and implementing proper access controls around system utilities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in system utilities that handle user-supplied data, particularly in privilege-executing applications where the consequences of input manipulation can be severe.