CVE-2003-0188 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
lv reads a .lv file from the current working directory, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands as other lv users by placing malicious .lv files into other directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0188 represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation issue affecting the lv command utility. This flaw exists in the way the lv program handles file operations, specifically when reading configuration or data files with the .lv extension. The vulnerability stems from the program's design to automatically search for and load .lv files from the current working directory without proper validation or sanitization of file paths. This behavior creates a dangerous condition where local users can manipulate the program's execution flow by placing maliciously crafted .lv files in directories that the lv utility might access during its operation. The attack vector exploits the fundamental assumption that files in the current working directory are trustworthy and benign, which is clearly violated when an attacker can control the contents of that directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the lv utility's failure to properly isolate its execution environment and validate file sources. When lv processes a .lv file, it typically executes commands or loads configurations that are interpreted as part of the program's normal operation. However, when the .lv file is maliciously crafted, it can contain commands or instructions that execute with the privileges of the lv user, rather than the attacker's privileges. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where the attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions, depending on how the lv utility is configured and what privileges it runs with. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the program and files in its working directory, making it difficult to detect through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0188 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems and escalate privileges within the affected environment. Local users who can write to directories that the lv utility accesses can effectively compromise any system running the vulnerable software, especially if the lv utility is run with elevated privileges or in environments where it processes user-provided data. The attack requires minimal privileges to execute, as the attacker only needs write access to directories that the lv program can read from, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where users might have access to shared directories. The vulnerability can also be exploited as part of a broader attack chain, potentially serving as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks that leverage other system weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying design issues that make it exploitable. The most effective approach involves modifying the lv utility to explicitly specify file paths and avoid automatic directory traversal when loading .lv files. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE database under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. System administrators should implement restrictive file permissions and access controls to limit write access to directories that the lv utility might traverse. The principle of least privilege should be applied to ensure that the lv utility runs with minimal required privileges and does not have write access to directories that could contain malicious .lv files. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no other programs exhibit similar path traversal vulnerabilities, as this class of issue is commonly found in legacy software implementations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits.