CVE-2002-2038 in Next Generation POSIX Threading
Summary
by MITRE
Next Generation POSIX Threading (NGPT) 1.9.0 uses a filesystem-based shared memory entry, which allows local users to cause a denial of service or in threaded processes or spoof files via unknown methods.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2038 affects Next Generation POSIX Threading (NGPT) version 1.9.0, a threading implementation that employs filesystem-based shared memory mechanisms for inter-process communication. This design approach creates inherent security risks by relying on file system operations to manage thread synchronization and shared resources. The implementation utilizes file system entries as shared memory constructs, which fundamentally contradicts secure threading practices and introduces multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges.
The technical flaw stems from NGPT's reliance on filesystem-based shared memory entries rather than proper memory management techniques. When threads require shared memory access, the system creates file system entries that serve as memory containers for thread synchronization data. This approach creates a dangerous dependency on file system operations, where local users can manipulate these entries through various means. The vulnerability allows attackers to either cause denial of service conditions by corrupting or removing these shared memory files, or to spoof files within the threading system through unknown methods that exploit the underlying file system interaction patterns. The exact methods for file spoofing remain unspecified but likely involve manipulating file permissions, creating symbolic links, or exploiting race conditions during file creation and access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it affects the integrity and availability of threaded applications that depend on NGPT for concurrent execution. Local users can potentially disrupt critical multi-threaded processes by manipulating the shared memory entries, leading to application crashes, data corruption, or complete system instability in environments where threaded applications are prevalent. The ability to spoof files within the threading system creates additional risks where malicious users could inject false synchronization data, leading to unpredictable behavior in multi-threaded applications. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where NGPT is used for critical system services or applications requiring high concurrency, as the compromise of thread management mechanisms can cascade into broader system instability and security degradation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on eliminating the filesystem-based shared memory approach and implementing proper memory management techniques for thread synchronization. Organizations should consider upgrading to newer threading implementations that do not rely on file system entries for shared memory management, such as standard POSIX threading libraries or more modern concurrent programming frameworks. System administrators should implement strict file system permissions and monitoring for the specific directories where NGPT creates shared memory entries, while also considering the use of mandatory access controls to limit file system interactions by non-privileged users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service through system resource manipulation. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of avoiding file system-based IPC mechanisms in security-critical threading implementations, as highlighted in various secure coding guidelines that recommend using proper memory-mapped files or dedicated IPC mechanisms instead of relying on filesystem entries for concurrent programming constructs.