CVE-2003-0390 in OPT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library 3.18 and earlier, when used in setuid programs, may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line options that are fed into macros such as opt_warn_2, as used in functions such as opt_atoi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0390 represents a critical security flaw within the Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library version 3.18 and earlier implementations. This issue specifically affects systems where the OPT library is integrated into setuid programs, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by local users to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the library's command line option parsing mechanisms, particularly when processing macro expansions that occur during option handling operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves buffer overflow conditions that occur when command line arguments exceed predetermined memory boundaries within the OPT library's parsing functions. When the library processes long command line options, it fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the processing of macros such as opt_warn_2 and functions like opt_atoi, which are commonly used in security-sensitive applications. The buffer overflow conditions create opportunities for memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program data structures or executable code segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it specifically targets setuid programs where privilege escalation is the primary attack vector. Local users who can influence command line arguments to setuid applications can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted program rather than their own limited user permissions. This represents a significant compromise of system security, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain root access to vulnerable systems. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on the affected OPT library version and utilizes setuid functionality for enhanced privileges.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through malicious input and execution through compromised system components. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The security implications extend to the broader concept of input validation failures and improper handling of untrusted data within system libraries. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has existed since 2003 and represents a fundamental flaw in how command line options are processed in privileged contexts. Mitigation strategies include updating to patched versions of the OPT library, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and conducting security audits of setuid applications that may be vulnerable to similar buffer overflow conditions.