CVE-2004-1131 in OpenServer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the enable command for SCO OpenServer 5.0.6 and 5.0.7 allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1131 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting SCO OpenServer versions 5.0.6 and 5.0.7. This issue specifically targets the enable command functionality within the operating system, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious code. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper buffer management when processing command line arguments, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the enable command fails to properly validate the length of input arguments before copying them into fixed-size buffers. When local users provide excessively long command line arguments, the system's memory management routines overflow the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject arbitrary code into the running process, effectively gaining elevated privileges within the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for systems running affected SCO OpenServer versions. Local users who can access command line interfaces or have the ability to execute commands through legitimate means can exploit this flaw to achieve privilege escalation without requiring network connectivity or external attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain root privileges and maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects the core system functionality and undermines the integrity of the operating system's privilege management mechanisms.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively narrow but significant, as it requires local system access and knowledge of the enable command functionality. However, the potential for privilege escalation makes it particularly dangerous in environments where local users might have varying levels of access. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, implementing proper input validation controls, and restricting unnecessary local access to system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper buffer management in system-level commands and underscores the need for comprehensive input validation across all operating system components. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how seemingly routine command processing can become a critical security weakness when proper bounds checking is omitted.