CVE-2002-2407 in Neutrino
Summary
by MITRE
Certain patches for QNX Neutrino realtime operating system (RTOS) 6.2.0 set insecure permissions for the files (1) /sbin/io-audio by OS Update Patch A, (2) /bin/shutdown, (3) /sbin/fs-pkg, and (4) phshutdown by QNX experimental patches, (5) cpim, (6) vpim, (7) phrelaycfg, and (8) columns, (9) othello, (10) peg, (11) solitaire, and (12) vpoker in the games pack 2.0.3, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the files before permissions are changed.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2407 represents a critical privilege escalation issue within the QNX Neutrino real-time operating system version 6.2.0. This flaw stems from improper file permission settings during the patching process, creating persistent security weaknesses that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability affects multiple system binaries and utilities that are essential for system operation and security management. The issue manifests when patches are applied to the operating system, leaving critical system files with overly permissive access controls that persist beyond the patch installation process. This creates a window of opportunity for malicious users to modify these files before the system can properly enforce secure permissions, ultimately leading to unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition between patch application and permission enforcement within the QNX Neutrino environment. During the patching process, several critical system files receive insecure permissions that should normally be restricted to root or system-level access. Specifically, the files /sbin/io-audio, /bin/shutdown, /sbin/fs-pkg, and various experimental patches including phshutdown, cpim, vpim, phrelaycfg, and columns are affected. Additionally, games pack binaries such as othello, peg, solitaire, and vpoker exhibit the same insecure permission behavior. These files typically require elevated privileges for modification due to their role in system management, network operations, and security functions. The vulnerability operates under CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic case of improper file system permissions that can be exploited through privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise by local users who can manipulate critical system functions. Attackers can modify system binaries to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover or persistent backdoor installation. The affected files span across system utilities, audio drivers, file system management tools, and network configuration components, providing attackers with multiple vectors for exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where local access is possible but remote access is restricted, making it a significant concern for embedded systems and real-time applications that rely on QNX Neutrino. The attack surface is expanded by the inclusion of games pack binaries, suggesting that even non-essential system components may contain exploitable permission flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2407 require immediate system administrators to verify and correct file permissions on affected QNX Neutrino systems. The primary remediation involves manually setting appropriate permissions on all identified files to restrict write access to privileged users only, typically root or system administrators. System administrators should also implement proper patch management procedures that ensure immediate permission enforcement upon patch installation, preventing the race condition that enables exploitation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their QNX systems to identify all affected files and verify that proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving file permission manipulation and system binary modification. Regular security assessments and automated permission monitoring tools should be deployed to prevent similar issues in future patch deployments. Additionally, system hardening procedures should be implemented to ensure that all system binaries maintain appropriate security contexts and that no files are left with overly permissive access controls during system updates.