CVE-2002-1787 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in uux in eoe.sw.uucp package of SGI IRIX 6.5 through 6.5.17 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1787 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the uux utility of the eoe.sw.uucp package on SGI IRIX operating systems version 6.5 through 6.5.17. This buffer overflow condition occurs in the uux program which is part of the Unix-to-Unix Copy Protocol implementation that facilitates file transfers between different Unix systems. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and improper buffer management when processing command line arguments or environmental variables, creating a potential exploitation vector for local attackers to gain elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The uux utility, designed to execute remote commands through the uucp protocol, fails to properly validate input parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker provides malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code into the process memory space. This overflow can be exploited to manipulate the program's instruction pointer and redirect execution to attacker-controlled code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to SGI IRIX systems running affected versions, as local users with basic system access can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the uux process. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require network connectivity or remote access, making it exploitable through local accounts or compromised user sessions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive system files, or compromise the integrity of the entire system. This type of local privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers might gain access through legitimate user accounts and then escalate privileges to root access.
The exploitation of CVE-2002-1787 follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059, as it enables command execution capabilities that could be used to establish persistence or conduct further attacks. Organizations running SGI IRIX systems in this vulnerable range face significant exposure risk, particularly in environments where local user access is not properly restricted or where security controls are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in system utilities, as well as the necessity of regular security updates and patch management programs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected SGI IRIX systems with the vendor-provided security updates. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including restricting local user access to system utilities, monitoring for suspicious process execution patterns, and conducting regular security audits of system configurations. The implementation of privilege separation mechanisms and mandatory access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and potential exploitation activities. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date system security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring programs to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts before they can cause significant damage to system integrity or data confidentiality.