CVE-2003-0325 in Maelstrom
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Maelstrom 3.0.6, 3.0.5, and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -server command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0325 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Maelstrom versions 3.0.6, 3.0.5, and earlier. This issue specifically manifests when the application processes command line arguments, particularly the -server parameter, which serves as a vector for exploitation. The buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's argument parsing mechanism, creating a scenario where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory regions.
This technical flaw operates at the core of application security by exploiting improper memory management practices during command line argument processing. When a local user provides an excessively long -server command line argument, the application fails to properly validate the input length against the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local system access but can potentially elevate privileges to those of the application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the entire system through the targeted application. Attackers can craft malicious command line arguments that overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory structures to redirect execution flow. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as the exploitation involves manipulating command line parameters to achieve code execution.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that it affects multiple versions of the Maelstrom application, suggesting a widespread exposure across various deployment environments. Local users with access to the system can exploit this flaw without requiring network connectivity or remote access, making it a significant concern for system administrators who must ensure proper input validation and bounds checking in all application components. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected versions, implementation of proper input validation controls, and application of defensive programming practices such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce exploit reliability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other applications and establish secure coding guidelines that prevent such memory safety issues from occurring in future development cycles.