CVE-2002-1013 in Traffic Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in traffic_manager for Inktomi Traffic Server 4.0.18 through 5.2.2, Traffic Edge 1.1.2 and 1.5.0, and Media-IXT 3.0.4 allows local users to gain root privileges via a long -path argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1013 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the traffic_manager component of several Inktomi Traffic Server products including versions 4.0.18 through 5.2.2, Traffic Edge 1.1.2 and 1.5.0, and Media-IXT 3.0.4. This flaw resides in the handling of command-line arguments, specifically the -path argument, which when supplied with excessive input length can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the application's execution stack. The buffer overflow occurs because the application fails to properly validate the length of the -path argument before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers with minimal privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where the traffic_manager process executes with elevated privileges due to its role in managing traffic server operations. When a local user provides a maliciously long -path argument, the application's input validation mechanisms are bypassed, allowing the attacker to overwrite the return address on the stack or other critical program variables. This overflow can be exploited to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the traffic_manager process, which typically runs with root or administrator privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access to exploit, eliminating the need for network-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a reliable method to gain root access to systems running affected Inktomi Traffic Server implementations. The exploitation process is relatively straightforward since it only requires local user access and the ability to execute the traffic_manager binary with a crafted argument. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, modify system configurations, install backdoors, or extract sensitive data from the compromised server. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive for attackers seeking to maintain long-term access to network infrastructure, especially in environments where traffic servers are used to manage critical web content delivery services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1013 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with vendor-provided security updates, as the vulnerability is well-documented and has been addressed by Inktomi through software updates. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all command-line arguments are properly bounded and validated before processing. System administrators should consider restricting local user access to the traffic_manager binary and implementing proper privilege separation mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command-line argument patterns or attempts to execute the vulnerable binary with excessive input lengths. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity frameworks, making it a critical target for immediate remediation efforts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through local exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening and access control measures to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.