CVE-2003-0070 in VTE
Summary
by MITRE
VTE, as used by default in gnome-terminal terminal emulator 2.2 and as an option in gnome-terminal 2.0, 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 • 06/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0070 represents a sophisticated terminal escape sequence injection flaw that exploits the trust relationship between terminal emulators and user input processing. This vulnerability specifically affects VTE (Virtual Terminal Emulator) components integrated into gnome-terminal versions 2.0 and 2.2, where the terminal emulator fails to properly sanitize escape sequences that can manipulate window titles and subsequently inject malicious content back into command line contexts. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that allow attackers to craft escape sequences designed to modify terminal window properties, which then get interpreted when users interact with files containing these sequences, creating a dangerous feedback loop between terminal state manipulation and command execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the ANSI escape sequence protocol that terminals use to control display behavior and window properties. Attackers can craft malicious escape sequences that modify the terminal window title, which then gets processed when users view files containing these sequences. This creates a scenario where the terminal emulator's title modification functionality becomes a vector for command injection, as the system processes these sequences in contexts where they can be interpreted as command input. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of terminal protocol handling and user interface state management, where window title modifications can be manipulated to influence command line interpretation processes through improper input sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command injection to encompass broader security implications for terminal-based environments. When users encounter files containing malicious escape sequences, the terminal emulator's failure to properly isolate window title modifications from command line contexts can result in arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability particularly affects desktop environments where users frequently open various file types and interact with potentially untrusted content, creating a high-risk scenario for privilege escalation and system compromise. The attack vector becomes particularly dangerous in environments where users have elevated privileges or where terminal sessions are used for sensitive operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input sanitization at multiple layers of the terminal processing pipeline. System administrators should ensure that gnome-terminal installations are updated to versions that properly sanitize escape sequences and prevent window title modifications from influencing command line processing contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-15 (External Control of System or Configuration Setting) and CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component) categories, as it demonstrates how external input can be manipulated to control system behavior through improper output neutralization. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Command Prompt) through its potential for arbitrary command execution, though the specific vector is through terminal escape sequence manipulation rather than direct interpreter invocation. Organizations should implement terminal session monitoring and input validation policies that prevent escape sequence injection attacks, particularly in environments where users process untrusted content or where terminal sessions handle sensitive operations.