CVE-2002-1239 in RTOS
Summary
by MITRE
QNX Neutrino RTOS 6.2.0 uses the PATH environment variable to find and execute the cp program while operating at raised privileges, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the PATH to point to a malicious cp program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1239 represents a classic privilege escalation flaw within the QNX Neutrino RTOS version 6.2.0 operating system. This issue stems from the improper handling of environment variables during program execution, specifically when the system attempts to locate and execute the cp command. The flaw occurs because the operating system relies on the PATH environment variable to determine the location of system utilities, creating a potential attack vector that malicious users can exploit to elevate their privileges from standard user level to elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the operating system's execution flow where it searches for the cp program in the directories listed within the PATH environment variable. When running with elevated privileges, the system does not properly validate or sanitize the PATH variable contents, allowing an attacker to manipulate the execution path. By modifying the PATH environment variable to prioritize directories containing a maliciously crafted cp program, an attacker can effectively hijack the execution flow and execute arbitrary code with the elevated privileges that the legitimate cp command would normally possess. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a dangerous escalation path within the system architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the QNX Neutrino RTOS. Local users who might otherwise have limited system access can exploit this flaw to gain root or administrator level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system since an attacker with elevated privileges can access, modify, or delete any files and data within the system. This flaw particularly impacts embedded systems and real-time operating environments where QNX Neutrino RTOS is commonly deployed, potentially affecting critical infrastructure applications where security is paramount.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of environment variable manipulation leading to privilege escalation, which aligns with CWE-426 and CWE-78 categories in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and environment variable handling in security-critical systems. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through environment variable manipulation. The recommended mitigations include implementing secure PATH handling by using absolute paths for critical system commands, implementing proper privilege separation, and ensuring that environment variables are properly sanitized before execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing file integrity monitoring and regular security audits to detect unauthorized modifications to system utilities and environment configurations.