CVE-2002-1517 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
fsr_efs in IRIX 6.5 allows local users to conduct unauthorized file activities via a symlink attack, possibly via the .fsrlast file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1517 resides within the fsr_efs component of IRIX 6.5 operating system, representing a significant security flaw that enables local users to perform unauthorized file operations through symbolic link manipulation. This issue specifically targets the handling of the .fsrlast file, which serves as a critical configuration element within the filesystem recovery mechanism. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of symbolic link references during file operations, creating a path traversal scenario that allows malicious users to manipulate file system access controls and potentially escalate privileges within the system environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how IRIX processes symbolic links when interacting with the .fsrlast file during filesystem recovery operations. When the fsr_efs component attempts to process this file, it fails to properly validate whether the target of a symbolic link points to an intended location or has been deliberately manipulated by a local attacker. This flaw creates a window where an attacker can establish malicious symbolic links that redirect file operations to arbitrary locations, effectively bypassing normal access controls and file system permissions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the filesystem recovery subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring network access or remote exploitation capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1517 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling privilege escalation and system compromise within IRIX environments. Local attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate critical filesystem recovery files, potentially corrupting system data or gaining elevated privileges through manipulation of the recovery process itself. The attack vector specifically targets local users, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning in multi-user environments where system integrity is paramount. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-59 and CWE-22, which address improper handling of symbolic links and path traversal issues respectively, both of which are fundamental security concerns in operating system design.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system hardening measures and operational security improvements. System administrators should ensure that all symbolic links within the filesystem recovery paths are properly validated and that the .fsrlast file is protected from unauthorized modification. The implementation of proper file system permissions and access controls around critical system files can significantly reduce the attack surface for this vulnerability. Additionally, regular system updates and patches should be applied to address known issues within IRIX 6.5, as this vulnerability represents an outdated security flaw that modern operating systems have addressed through improved symbolic link handling and file system validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files and filesystem recovery components to provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.