CVE-2003-0497 in Caché Database
Summary
by MITRE
Caché Database 5.x installs /cachesys/bin/cache with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying cache and executing it via cuxs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0497 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Caché Database 5.x software ecosystem. This issue stems from improper file permission settings during the installation process, specifically affecting the /cachesys/bin/cache binary file. The world-writable permissions on this critical system component create a significant security exposure that can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability exists at the operating system level rather than within the application logic itself, making it particularly dangerous as it undermines fundamental security principles of access control and privilege management.
The technical flaw manifests through the exploitation of weak file permissions that allow any local user to modify the cache binary file. When users can write to this critical system file, they can inject malicious code or alter existing functionality to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The cuxs utility serves as the attack vector in this scenario, providing a legitimate execution path that can be leveraged to run the modified cache binary. This creates a classic privilege escalation attack pattern where a low-privileged user gains administrative capabilities through manipulation of system files. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment for critical system resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who exploit this flaw can effectively bypass the intended security controls of the Caché Database installation, potentially gaining access to sensitive data stored within the database or using the elevated privileges to modify system configurations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where multiple individuals have access to the same system, as it provides a consistent attack vector regardless of user authentication status. The exploitability of this vulnerability is high due to the predictable nature of the file permissions and the straightforward modification process required to achieve privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0497 must focus on immediate permission correction and long-term system hardening measures. The most direct solution involves correcting the file permissions on /cachesys/bin/cache to restrict write access to only authorized administrative users or system accounts. This should be implemented through proper file ownership settings and permission controls using standard unix/linux file permission models. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and correct similar permission issues across their system infrastructure. System administrators should establish baseline security configurations that prevent world-writable permissions on critical system binaries and implement monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, regular patching and updating of Caché Database installations should be prioritized to ensure that newer versions with proper security controls are deployed, as this vulnerability represents an outdated installation flaw that has likely been addressed in subsequent releases.