CVE-2003-1374 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in disable of HP-UX 11.0 may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the (1) -r or (2)-c options.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1374 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the disable utility of HP-UX version 11.0 operating system. This issue specifically affects the command-line processing of two distinct options - the -r and -c flags - which are used to control system disable functionality. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when processing user-supplied arguments, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector, meaning that it requires local system access but can potentially be exploited to gain elevated privileges within the operating system environment.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the disable utility processes command-line arguments without proper bounds checking. When a user provides an excessively long argument string to either the -r or -c options, the program fails to validate the input length against the allocated buffer size. This condition allows an attacker to overwrite the stack frame, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted arguments that overwrite the instruction pointer or other critical program variables, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the executing process.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1374 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges within the HP-UX environment. Since the disable utility typically operates with elevated privileges due to its system management functions, successful exploitation could allow local users to gain root access or other high-privilege levels. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through various means such as legitimate user accounts or compromised services. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects a core system utility that is frequently used for administrative tasks, making it a prime target for exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1203, which covers 'Exploitation for Client Execution', though the latter is more relevant to remote exploitation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures. The primary recommendation is to apply the official security patches provided by Hewlett-Packard for HP-UX 11.0 systems, which include proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local access to system utilities and monitoring for unusual command-line argument patterns. Additional protective measures include enabling address space layout randomization (ASLR) and stack canaries where available, though these protections may be limited in older HP-UX versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in system utilities and highlights the need for robust software development practices that adhere to secure coding guidelines and industry standards for preventing buffer overflow conditions.