CVE-2004-0579 in Super
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in super before 3.23 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0579 represents a critical format string flaw in the super utility version 3.22 and earlier, which has significant implications for system security and privilege escalation. This vulnerability resides within the super command, a utility that provides root privileges to users for specific administrative tasks, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to elevate their privileges to the highest system level. The format string vulnerability occurs when the program improperly handles user-supplied input in printf-style functions, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as format specifiers rather than literal text. This flaw specifically affects the super utility's handling of command-line arguments, where the program fails to properly sanitize input before passing it to format string functions, creating a pathway for code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in how the super utility processes user input through format string functions such as printf, sprintf, or fprintf. When an attacker provides carefully crafted input containing format specifiers like %x, %s, or %n, the program interprets these as instructions to read from or write to memory locations rather than as literal characters. This misinterpretation can lead to memory corruption, information disclosure, or direct code execution, with the most severe consequences occurring when the attacker can manipulate the %n format specifier to write arbitrary values to memory addresses. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively bypassing all normal access controls and security mechanisms that protect the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0579 extends far beyond a simple privilege escalation vector, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of systems relying on the super utility for administrative tasks. Local attackers who can execute commands with the super utility can potentially compromise entire systems, access sensitive data, modify critical system files, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities in software, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The implications are severe because the super utility is often used for legitimate administrative purposes, meaning that attackers who can exploit this vulnerability gain not just arbitrary code execution but also the ability to perform any action that root privileges would normally permit. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it requires no special network access or authentication, making it exploitable by any local user with access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0579 involve both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution is updating the super utility to version 3.23 or later, where the format string vulnerability has been resolved through proper input sanitization and the use of secure string handling functions. Organizations should also implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that regularly scan for outdated utilities and ensure all system components are current with security patches. Additional mitigations include implementing proper access controls to limit who can execute the super utility, using alternative privilege escalation methods such as sudo with restricted configurations, and monitoring system logs for suspicious usage patterns of the super command. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in system utilities that handle privileged operations, and highlights the need for regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate similar format string vulnerabilities in other system components.