CVE-2003-0742 in OpenServer
Summary
by MITRE
SCO Internet Manager (mana) allows local users to execute arbitrary programs by setting the REMOTE_ADDR environment variable to cause menu.mana to run as if it were called from ncsa_httpd, then modifying the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious "hostname" program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0742 represents a classic local privilege escalation flaw within the SCO Internet Manager software suite, specifically affecting the mana component. This issue demonstrates how improper environment variable handling can create dangerous execution paths for local attackers. The vulnerability exists in the menu.mana script which is designed to function as part of the SCO Internet Manager web server interface, but fails to properly validate or sanitize environment variables before executing system commands. The flaw stems from the application's assumption that it is being invoked by the ncsa_httpd web server, which creates a specific execution context that the attacker can manipulate through environment variable injection.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the attacker setting the REMOTE_ADDR environment variable to simulate a web server invocation context, effectively tricking the menu.mana script into believing it is running under the ncsa_httpd server environment. This manipulation causes the script to execute with elevated privileges typically reserved for web server processes. The vulnerability is further compounded by the attacker's ability to modify the PATH environment variable, which allows them to control which "hostname" program gets executed during the process. This creates a path hijacking scenario where the legitimate system hostname command is replaced with a maliciously crafted binary that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to a higher privilege context without requiring authentication or network access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely locally, making it difficult to detect through network monitoring tools. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security model where environment variables are not properly sanitized or validated, allowing for arbitrary code execution through process substitution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-78 weakness category, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and is related to CWE-22 for "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')". The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" through environment variable manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper environment variable validation and sanitization within the application code. System administrators should ensure that the PATH environment variable is properly secured and that the application does not rely on environment variables for critical execution paths. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation for environment variables, using absolute paths for all executed commands, and ensuring that privilege escalation mechanisms are properly enforced. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with the least privilege necessary and should not be executed with elevated privileges unless absolutely required. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security coding practices and demonstrates why environment variable handling should never be treated as a simple configuration parameter. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify similar patterns in legacy applications and ensure that all environment variables are properly validated before being used in system calls or command execution contexts.