CVE-2003-0024 in aterm
Summary
by MITRE
The menuBar feature in aterm 0.42 allows attackers to modify menu options and execute arbitrary commands via a certain character escape sequence that inserts the commands into the menu.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0024 represents a critical security flaw in the aterm terminal emulator version 0.42 that affects the menuBar functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the terminal's escape sequence processing mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the graphical user interface elements of the application. The vulnerability specifically targets the menuBar component which is designed to provide users with access to various terminal functions and options through a graphical interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted escape sequences that contain malicious command payloads, allowing them to inject arbitrary commands directly into the menu structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of character escape sequences that are normally used for terminal control and formatting operations. When aterm processes these sequences, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data, particularly when the escape sequences contain embedded command structures that should not be executed within the menu context. This processing flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the user running the aterm application. The vulnerability essentially creates a command injection vector within the graphical interface layer of the terminal emulator, transforming what should be a controlled menu system into an attack surface for privilege escalation and remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0024 extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for gaining unauthorized access to systems through the terminal emulator interface. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user interface level, meaning that successful exploitation can occur through seemingly benign interactions with menu options. The attack vector is relatively simple to implement, requiring only the construction of specific escape sequences that trigger the vulnerable code path. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted content or where terminal emulators are used in web-based or shared computing environments. The vulnerability also aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tactic framework, specifically representing a privilege escalation technique that leverages interface manipulation to achieve system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation across all layers of software applications, including graphical user interface components. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-74 as a "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes not only core application logic but also interface elements and user interaction components. Organizations using aterm version 0.42 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the terminal emulator, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious escape sequence patterns in terminal sessions. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of arbitrary commands through terminal interfaces, as well as regular security audits of terminal emulator configurations to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components.