CVE-2003-0358 in nethack
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in (1) nethack 3.4.0 and earlier, and (2) falconseye 1.9.3 and earlier, which is based on nethack, allows local users to gain privileges via a long -s command line option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0358 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting both nethack version 3.4.0 and earlier, as well as falconseye 1.9.3 and earlier versions which are based on nethack. This issue stems from improper input validation within the command line argument processing mechanism, specifically when handling the -s option. The buffer overflow occurs because the software fails to adequately check the length of user-supplied input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects widely used roguelike games that are often compiled and run in multi-user environments where privilege escalation could lead to system compromise.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow follows a classic pattern where the software processes command line arguments without proper bounds checking. When a local user provides an excessively long argument to the -s command line option, the program attempts to store this input in a predetermined buffer space that is insufficient to accommodate the full input length. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables privilege escalation attacks through the manipulation of program execution flow. The attack vector is local since the vulnerability requires the attacker to already have a valid user account on the system, but the impact can be severe as it allows for privilege elevation from regular user to root or administrative privileges depending on how the vulnerable application is configured and executed.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0358 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. In environments where nethack or falconseye are installed with setuid privileges, local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated system access without requiring additional authentication. The attack can be executed without network connectivity, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through network monitoring systems. The vulnerability affects both the original nethack implementation and its derivative falconseye, indicating a broader impact across related software ecosystems. Organizations running these applications on Unix-like systems face significant risk as the buffer overflow can be exploited to execute malicious code, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability also impacts system administrators who may unknowingly run vulnerable versions of these applications, creating potential attack vectors that could be leveraged by malicious insiders or compromised accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0358 require immediate action to address the root cause through software updates and system hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to patched versions of nethack and falconseye that implement proper input validation and bounds checking for command line arguments. System administrators should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques, such as running vulnerable applications without setuid permissions, and employing input sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious input from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Additional protective measures include regular security audits of installed software packages, implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement, and monitoring system logs for suspicious execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable binaries and ensure that all software installations are kept current with security patches, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to potentially vulnerable applications.