CVE-2003-0098 in apcupsd
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in apcupsd before 3.8.6, and 3.10.x before 3.10.5, allows remote attackers to gain root privileges, possibly via format strings in a request to a slave server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0098 represents a critical security flaw in the apcupsd daemon, a widely used open-source software for managing APC uninterruptible power supply systems. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.8.6 and 3.10.x versions before 3.10.5, creating a significant risk for systems relying on APC power management solutions. The issue manifests through format string vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges to the root level of affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the slave server functionality within the apcupsd architecture, which is designed to coordinate power management across multiple devices in a networked environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of format strings in network requests processed by the slave server component. When the apcupsd daemon receives certain malformed requests containing format specifiers, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them within printf or similar functions. This lack of input validation creates a classic format string vulnerability that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, as they can leverage network-based attacks to reach the vulnerable daemon. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings in a context where user-controllable data is used, and represents a variant of the broader class of injection vulnerabilities that have plagued software systems for decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain root privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of apcupsd, potentially allowing them to modify system files, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only individual systems but also networked environments where multiple APC devices are managed through a centralized slave server configuration. Organizations relying on apcupsd for power management in data centers, server farms, or critical infrastructure may face severe consequences if this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it could be exploited to disrupt power management services or gain unauthorized access to sensitive network resources. The remote nature of the attack vector increases the attack surface significantly, as it can be exploited from any location with network access to the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0098 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of apcupsd, specifically versions 3.8.6 and 3.10.5 or later. System administrators should immediately implement this patch across all affected systems and verify that the update has been successfully applied. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the apcupsd slave server ports, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and systems. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious requests containing format string patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper error handling in network services, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where format string vulnerabilities can be leveraged to execute arbitrary commands. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their power management infrastructure and maintain up-to-date inventories of all systems running apcupsd or similar power management software to ensure comprehensive vulnerability management across their entire infrastructure.