CVE-2002-1518 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
mv in IRIX 6.5 creates a directory with world-writable permissions while moving a directory, which could allow local users to modify files and directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1518 affects the mv command implementation in IRIX 6.5 operating system, presenting a significant security risk through improper permission handling during directory operations. This flaw specifically manifests when the mv command attempts to move a directory while simultaneously creating a new directory with world-writable permissions, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the system's file access controls. The issue stems from the command's failure to properly manage directory creation permissions, allowing malicious local users to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical flaw involves the mv command's handling of directory movement operations where it creates intermediate directories without enforcing proper permission restrictions. When moving directories in IRIX 6.5, the system creates new directory structures with permissions that include world-writable bits, typically set to 777 or similar permissive modes. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and mandatory access controls, as it creates directories that any user can modify, write to, or delete. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a direct violation of the principle that system directories should not be created with excessive permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission mismanagement, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation and unauthorized system modification. Attackers can exploit this condition to modify files and directories that should normally be protected, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where multiple users share the same environment, as any local user can leverage this weakness to compromise the integrity of the file system. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through improper permissions, and T1566, which addresses social engineering through system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1518 require immediate system updates and administrative intervention to address the underlying permission handling flaw. System administrators should apply the latest IRIX security patches provided by Silicon Graphics International, which correct the mv command's directory creation behavior and enforce proper permission settings. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive permission auditing procedures to identify and correct any existing world-writable directories created through this vulnerability. The remediation process includes reviewing directory permissions using tools like ls -l, ensuring that no directories are created with 777 or similar permissive modes, and implementing strict access control policies that prevent unauthorized modification of critical system components. Regular security assessments should verify that the mv command and similar file manipulation utilities maintain proper permission handling, preventing the recurrence of similar vulnerabilities in the system's file management operations.