CVE-2004-1116 in GIMPS
Summary
by MITRE
the init scripts in great internet mersenne prime search (gimps) 23.9 and earlier execute user-owned programs with root privileges which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1116 resides within the initialization scripts of the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) software version 23.9 and earlier. This represents a classic privilege escalation flaw where the system's startup procedures fail to properly validate the ownership and integrity of executable components. The GIMPS project, designed to coordinate distributed computing efforts for discovering large prime numbers, incorporates a complex network of initialization processes that handle system resource allocation and process management. These init scripts, which are critical for establishing the proper operational environment, contain a fundamental design flaw that undermines the security model of the entire application.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the improper execution of user-owned programs with elevated root privileges during the system initialization phase. Specifically, the init scripts in question do not perform adequate permission checks or ownership validations before executing potentially modified binaries. This design oversight creates a scenario where local users can substitute or modify executable files within the GIMPS execution environment with malicious code that will subsequently run with root privileges. The flaw operates under CWE-276, which classifies improper file permissions as a core weakness in system security, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all system operations. When a local attacker modifies any program that gets executed by these init scripts, the modified code inherits the elevated privileges of the root user, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of systems running affected versions of GIMPS. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected system, enabling them to modify system files, install backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access. This represents a critical security flaw in distributed computing environments where multiple users may have access to the same system, as the vulnerability allows for unauthorized elevation of privileges without requiring external network access or sophisticated attack vectors. The implications are particularly severe in academic and research environments where GIMPS is commonly deployed, as these systems often process sensitive research data and may be part of larger network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in future deployments. The primary solution involves updating to GIMPS version 24.0 or later, which contains patches that properly validate program ownership and execute initialization scripts with appropriate privilege levels. Organizations should also implement strict file permission controls and integrity verification mechanisms for all system initialization scripts and executable components. Security administrators should conduct regular audits of system files and monitor for unauthorized modifications to critical executables. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation in system design. Additionally, implementing mandatory access controls and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other distributed computing applications.