CVE-2002-1633 in QNX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in QNX 4.25 may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line arguments to (1) sample, (2) ex, (3) du, (4) find, (5) lex, (6) mkdir, (7) rm, (8) serserv, (9) tcpserv, (10) termdef, (11) time, (12) unzip, (13) use, (14) wcc, (15) wcc386, (16) wd, (17) wdisasm, (18) which, (19) wlib, (20) wlink, (21) wpp, (22) wpp386, (23) wprof, (24) write, or (25) wstrip.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1633 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting multiple system utilities within the QNX 4.25 operating system. This flaw exists across a wide range of command line utilities including file manipulation tools like sample, ex, du, find, mkdir, and rm, as well as network services such as serserv and tcpserv, and development tools like wcc, wcc386, wlib, wlink, wpp, wpp386, and wprof. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking in these utilities, creating opportunities for malicious code execution through carefully crafted command line arguments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic buffer overflow pattern where the system fails to properly validate the length of command line arguments passed to these utilities. When an attacker provides excessively long arguments, the fixed-size buffers allocated for processing these inputs overflow, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple utilities simultaneously, suggesting a systemic flaw in how these tools handle command line input validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface for local users who can leverage these buffer overflows to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the affected utilities are commonly used system tools that may run with elevated privileges or have access to sensitive system information. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify system files, or compromise the integrity of the entire QNX 4.25 system. The widespread nature of affected utilities means that exploitation opportunities exist across multiple system functions and attack vectors.
Security professionals should implement comprehensive mitigations including input validation restrictions, stack protection mechanisms, and regular system updates to address this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that violates fundamental security principles. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through system utilities. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious command line usage patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing mandatory access controls and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting these buffer overflow vulnerabilities.