CVE-2003-0579 in U2 Universe
Summary
by MITRE
uvadmsh in IBM U2 UniVerse 10.0.0.9 and earlier trusts the user-supplied -uv.install command line option to find and execute the uv.install program, which allows local users to gain privileges by providing a pathname that is under control of the user.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0579 affects IBM U2 UniVerse version 10.0.0.9 and earlier installations, specifically within the uvadmsh component. This represents a classic privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper input validation and trust assumptions in command line argument processing. The vulnerability stems from the uvadmsh utility's reliance on user-supplied command line options without adequate sanitization or validation of the provided paths. When users execute the uvadmsh utility with the -uv.install option, the system blindly accepts and processes the specified pathname without performing proper security checks or path validation. This design flaw creates a dangerous trust relationship where user input directly influences the execution flow of critical system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the uvadmsh utility's handling of the -uv.install command line parameter, which is designed to locate and execute the uv.install program. However, the utility fails to validate or sanitize the provided pathname, allowing malicious users to supply arbitrary paths that point to executables under their control. When the system processes this user-supplied path, it executes the specified program with elevated privileges, effectively enabling local users to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than normally permitted. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical flaw in the input validation mechanisms of the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, which could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or access confidential data stored within the UniVerse database environment. The implications are significant for organizations relying on UniVerse for critical business operations, as this vulnerability could be exploited to undermine the integrity and confidentiality of their data. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in the software design, specifically the lack of proper input validation and the dangerous assumption that user-supplied data can be trusted without sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the uvadmsh utility. Organizations should immediately upgrade to IBM U2 UniVerse versions that address this vulnerability, as IBM would have released patches or updates to correct the flawed command line argument handling. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting access to the uvadmsh utility and monitoring for unusual command line executions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-22, which covers improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and potentially to persistence mechanisms if attackers can establish backdoors through the elevated privileges gained. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege policies to limit the scope of potential damage from such vulnerabilities and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical system utilities.