CVE-2002-1914 in dump
Summary
by MITRE
dump 0.4 b10 through b29 allows local users to cause a denial of service (execution prevention) by using flock() to lock the /etc/dumpdates file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1914 affects the dump utility version 0.4 beta 10 through beta 29, representing a significant security flaw that enables local users to disrupt system operations through deliberate resource locking. This issue stems from improper handling of file locks during the dump process, specifically targeting the critical /etc/dumpdates file that tracks backup operations and system state information. The dump utility serves as a fundamental component in unix-like systems for creating backups of filesystems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for system administrators and security professionals who rely on consistent backup operations.
The technical flaw manifests when local users exploit the flock() system call to acquire exclusive locks on the /etc/dumpdates file, effectively preventing legitimate dump processes from accessing or modifying this essential configuration file. This locking mechanism, when improperly implemented or managed, creates a condition where subsequent dump operations cannot proceed, resulting in complete execution prevention for backup-related processes. The vulnerability operates at the system call level where the flock() function is used to establish file locks, but fails to properly handle concurrent access scenarios that would normally be managed by the operating system's file locking mechanisms. According to CWE-661, this represents an improper lock management issue where the system fails to properly acquire or release file locks, leading to resource contention and service disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can severely compromise system backup integrity and availability. When dump processes cannot access the dumpdates file, they cannot properly track backup schedules, maintain backup history, or coordinate backup operations with other system components. This disruption affects not only immediate backup operations but also the overall system administration workflow, potentially leading to missed backups, corrupted backup data, and increased recovery time objectives. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where backup operations are automated and scheduled, as these systems depend on the dump utility's ability to maintain consistent state information in the dumpdates file.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1489, which involves denying access to resources through various means including file locking and resource contention. The local privilege requirement means that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, but the impact can be significant for system availability and integrity. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate resource management where proper lock handling and timeout mechanisms are missing from the dump utility implementation. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual file locking patterns on critical system files and establish proper access controls to minimize the risk of exploitation. The fix typically involves implementing proper lock timeout mechanisms, graceful error handling, and ensuring that dump processes can recover from lock contention scenarios without complete system disruption.