CVE-2003-1422 in SYSLINUX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in the installer for SYSLINUX 2.01, when running setuid root, allow local users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1422 resides within the installer component of SYSLINUX version 2.01, a widely used boot loader software for personal computers. SYSLINUX operates as a bootloader that enables the execution of operating systems from various filesystems, making it a critical component in system initialization processes. The installer for this software, when executed with setuid root permissions, presents a significant security risk due to its elevated privileges and the presence of multiple unspecified vulnerabilities that can be exploited by local users. This particular flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows attackers with local system access to elevate their privileges to root level, thereby gaining complete control over the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the setuid root execution context of the SYSLINUX installer, which creates an attack surface where local users can manipulate the installation process to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The unspecified nature of the vulnerabilities indicates that multiple attack vectors exist within the installer codebase, potentially including buffer overflows, improper input validation, or insecure file handling mechanisms. These unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may involve several different code paths within the installer that all share the common characteristic of allowing privilege escalation when executed with elevated permissions. The setuid mechanism itself creates a dangerous environment where any flaw in the installer's code can be exploited to bypass normal access controls and gain root access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1422 is substantial, as local users who can execute the SYSLINUX installer can exploit this vulnerability to achieve root privileges without requiring additional authentication or external attack vectors. This type of privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where unprivileged users might have access to system installation or update processes. The vulnerability affects systems where SYSLINUX 2.01 is installed and where the installer maintains setuid root permissions, potentially compromising the entire system's security posture. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect network security if the compromised system serves as a gateway or server within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which addresses privileges that are not properly restricted, and represents a classic example of insecure setuid program implementation that violates fundamental security principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques, specifically T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1548.1 which addresses "Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism". The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no special network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it easily exploitable by any local user with access to the system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to a patched version of SYSLINUX, removing or disabling the vulnerable installer, or ensuring that the installer does not run with setuid root permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with installation and system modification tools that operate with elevated privileges. Regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other system components that may exhibit similar security flaws.