CVE-2002-1247 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in LISa allows local users to gain access to a raw socket via a long LOGNAME environment variable for the resLISa daemon.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1247 represents a classic buffer overflow flaw within the LISa system, specifically affecting the resLISa daemon component. This daemon is responsible for managing network connections and socket operations within the LISa framework, making it a critical system service that requires robust security measures. The vulnerability manifests when the daemon processes the LOGNAME environment variable, which typically contains the username of the currently logged-in user. When a local attacker provides an excessively long LOGNAME value, the daemon fails to properly validate the input length, leading to a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to manipulate the program's execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The resLISa daemon's failure to implement proper input validation for environment variables creates an exploitable entry point that directly impacts the system's memory management and execution integrity. This type of vulnerability operates at the intersection of operating system security and application-level programming practices, where environment variables are commonly used for user identification and system configuration purposes but are not adequately sanitized for length constraints.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security as it allows local users to escalate privileges and gain access to raw socket capabilities. The ability to create raw sockets provides attackers with enhanced network monitoring and manipulation capabilities, potentially enabling them to perform packet sniffing, network injection, or other advanced network-level attacks. The local privilege escalation aspect means that even users with minimal system access can leverage this vulnerability to obtain elevated permissions, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different security contexts exist. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential network reconnaissance and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the resLISa daemon code. System administrators should ensure that all environment variables are properly sanitized before processing, with length limitations enforced to prevent buffer overflow conditions. The recommended approach includes applying security patches from the software vendor, implementing proper buffer management techniques such as using safe string handling functions, and conducting regular security reviews of system components that handle environment variables. Additionally, system hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for abnormal environment variable usage patterns can help reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this type of vulnerability. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the Software Security Framework, which emphasize the need for robust input validation and memory management in network services.