CVE-2003-0067 in Aterm
Summary
by MITRE
The aterm terminal emulator 0.42 allows attackers to modify the window title via a certain character escape sequence and then insert it back to the command line in the user s terminal, e.g. when the user views a file containing the malicious sequence, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0067 affects the aterm terminal emulator version 0.42 and represents a significant security flaw in terminal handling mechanisms. This issue stems from improper validation of escape sequences within terminal emulators, specifically allowing malicious actors to manipulate window title attributes through crafted character sequences. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the terminal's escape sequence processing capabilities to inject malicious content that can subsequently be executed within the user's terminal environment. The flaw is particularly concerning because it exploits the trust relationship between terminal emulators and user input, creating a vector for command injection attacks that can bypass traditional security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of terminal escape sequences that control window title display and other terminal attributes. When aterm processes these sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input data, allowing attackers to embed malicious escape codes that modify the window title. These sequences can then be embedded within files or command outputs, and when users view such content, the terminal emulator processes the embedded escape sequences and executes the malicious code. The vulnerability specifically targets the terminal's ability to handle and display window title information, which is typically used for window management and user interface purposes but becomes a security risk when improperly handled.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0067 extends beyond simple command execution, representing a sophisticated attack vector that can be exploited across multiple scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious files, emails, or command outputs that contain the embedded escape sequences, which then execute when users interact with these materials through the vulnerable terminal emulator. This creates a persistent threat where users can unknowingly trigger malicious code execution simply by viewing files or interacting with command-line outputs. The vulnerability operates at the terminal level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass application-level security controls and directly interact with the underlying operating system through the terminal interface. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-154, which addresses improper handling of escape sequences in terminal environments, and represents a classic example of command injection through terminal manipulation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and script interpreters through terminal manipulation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the terminal user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack chain typically begins with the delivery of malicious content containing the escape sequences, followed by user interaction that triggers the terminal processing of these sequences. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently view files or command outputs, such as development environments, system administration interfaces, or any scenario where terminal emulators are actively used for content viewing. Organizations using vulnerable versions of aterm should implement immediate mitigations including software updates, terminal emulator restrictions, and user education about potentially malicious content. The security implications of this vulnerability underscore the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in terminal handling components, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of terminal emulators and their escape sequence processing capabilities.