CVE-2004-1117 in Chessbrain
Summary
by MITRE
the init scripts in chessbrain 20407 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-2004-1117 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the init scripts of chessbrain versions 20407 and earlier. This issue stems from improper privilege management during system initialization processes where user-owned programs are executed with root privileges. The fundamental technical flaw lies in the lack of proper access control mechanisms within the init script execution environment, allowing local users to manipulate system components that should remain restricted to privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it creates a direct pathway for local attackers to elevate their system privileges from standard user level to root access. This occurs because the init scripts fail to validate the integrity and ownership of programs they execute during system startup or service initialization phases. Attackers can exploit this by replacing or modifying executable files that are intended to run with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that protect against unauthorized privilege escalation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes that can lead to privilege escalation, and represents a classic example of improper privilege handling in system initialization processes. The attack vector operates through the modification of files that are executed during boot or service startup, making it particularly dangerous as it can persist across system reboots and remain undetected by normal security monitoring mechanisms.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, where adversaries leverage misconfigurations or weak controls to gain elevated privileges. The technique specifically relates to the use of service configuration modifications and initialization script manipulation to achieve root access. The vulnerability also connects to T1543, which covers persistence mechanisms through legitimate system tools, as the modified programs can maintain their elevated execution context across system sessions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file ownership and permissions enforcement for init scripts and their associated executables. System administrators must ensure that all programs executed during initialization are owned by root and have appropriate permissions that prevent modification by non-privileged users. Additionally, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized modifications to critical system components. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to chessbrain versions that properly address this privilege escalation vulnerability through secure initialization script implementations and proper access control enforcement mechanisms.