CVE-2002-0819 in artsd
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in artsd, when called by artswrapper, allows local users to gain privileges via format strings in the -a argument, which results in an error message that is not properly handled in a call to the arts_fatal function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0819 represents a classic format string flaw within the arts daemon system, specifically manifesting in the artsd component when invoked through the artswrapper utility. This issue resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the arts_fatal function, creating a potential privilege escalation vector for local attackers. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize or properly validate format specifiers provided through the -a command line argument, which are subsequently processed in error message generation contexts.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the exploitation of format string vulnerabilities as categorized under CWE-134, where attacker-controlled format strings are passed to functions like printf without proper sanitization. When artsd processes the -a argument through artswrapper, it fails to properly escape or validate the input before passing it to the arts_fatal function. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can trigger memory corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific implementation details and system architecture. The vulnerability specifically targets the error handling mechanism rather than direct execution paths, making it particularly insidious as it operates within legitimate error reporting functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and information leakage. Local users who can execute the artswrapper utility with sufficient privileges can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates within the context of legitimate system utilities, making detection more difficult and the attack surface broader. The vulnerability affects systems running the arts daemon and artswrapper components, typically found in Linux environments and Unix-like systems that utilize the arts audio system for sound management. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in legitimate programs, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0819 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability represents an unmitigated risk to system integrity. System administrators should ensure that all instances of artsd and artswrapper are updated to versions that properly handle format string arguments without direct user input processing. The implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the arts_fatal function is essential, requiring that all user-supplied parameters be properly escaped or validated before any formatting operations occur. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to restrict execution of artswrapper to authorized users only, reducing the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that the artsd daemon runs with minimal required permissions. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual execution patterns of artswrapper and artsd processes, as these may indicate exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary services and implementing proper system logging for error handling should be implemented to prevent exploitation and facilitate incident response.