CVE-2004-1263 in ChangePassword
Summary
by MITRE
changepassword.cgi in ChangePassword 0.8, when installed setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious "make" program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1263 resides within the changepassword.cgi script of ChangePassword version 0.8, a tool designed for managing user password changes in web environments. This particular flaw manifests when the script is installed with setuid permissions, creating a critical security exposure that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability operates through a classic path manipulation attack vector that leverages the trust placed in system utilities by the vulnerable application. The security risk is amplified because the script executes with elevated privileges, allowing an attacker to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate their privileges to root level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure use of environment variables within the script execution context. When changepassword.cgi runs with setuid permissions, it inherits the privileges of the owner, typically root, but fails to properly sanitize or validate the PATH environment variable. Local users can manipulate this variable to redirect the script's execution path toward a maliciously crafted "make" program, which the script subsequently executes without proper validation. This path manipulation technique represents a well-documented attack pattern that falls under the category of environment variable manipulation and privilege escalation. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-426, which describes the weakness of untrusted search path in executable files, and also aligns with the broader category of privilege escalation through insecure program execution. The attack vector demonstrates how attackers can leverage the trust model of Unix-like systems where executables are resolved based on the PATH environment variable, creating a window of opportunity for code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. When local users can execute arbitrary code through this vector, they gain the ability to modify system files, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the compromised system. The setuid nature of the vulnerable script provides attackers with elevated privileges that can be used to bypass normal access controls and security boundaries. This vulnerability represents a significant concern in multi-user environments where local access is possible, as it allows for unauthorized privilege escalation without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. The attack requires only local system access and basic knowledge of environment variable manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where system administrators may not fully understand the implications of setuid programs. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise and is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation through environment variable manipulation and execution of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1263 require immediate action to address the underlying security flaw in the ChangePassword implementation. The most effective immediate solution involves removing the setuid permissions from the vulnerable script and implementing proper input validation and environment variable sanitization. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as secure coding practices that prevent the use of external commands without proper validation, and implementing proper privilege separation techniques. The vulnerability highlights the importance of avoiding setuid programs in modern system design and the need for comprehensive security auditing of legacy applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to system binaries and environment variable manipulation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The remediation process should include updating to newer versions of ChangePassword or implementing equivalent security controls that prevent the exploitation vector entirely, ensuring that system administrators understand the risks associated with setuid programs and the importance of proper privilege management in web applications.