CVE-2004-1682 in RTP
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in QNX 6.1 FTP client allows remote authenticated users to gain group bin privileges via format string specifiers in the QUOTE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1682 represents a critical format string flaw within the QNX 6.1 FTP client implementation that enables remote authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges from regular user level to group bin privileges. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the QUOTE command functionality of the FTP client, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing format string specifiers. The issue stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within printf-style functions, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can manipulate the program's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user sends specially crafted format string specifiers through the QUOTE command to the vulnerable FTP client. These specifiers can cause the client to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format strings are constructed using data from untrusted sources. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially overwrite critical program variables or function pointers, ultimately leading to privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk as it requires only authenticated access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts are shared or where legitimate users might be compromised. The privilege escalation from regular user to group bin privileges allows attackers to access files and resources that should normally be restricted to specific user groups, potentially enabling further lateral movement within the network or access to sensitive system information. The attack vector through the QUOTE command suggests that the vulnerability exists in the client-side processing of FTP commands rather than the server implementation, making it a client-side flaw that affects all systems running the vulnerable QNX 6.1 FTP client.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1078 which addresses 'Valid Accounts' as the attack requires legitimate authentication to proceed. Organizations utilizing QNX 6.1 systems with FTP client functionality face potential compromise of their entire system integrity if this vulnerability is not addressed. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific format string payloads that can be used to manipulate the client's memory layout, potentially leading to code execution with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and industrial environments where QNX operating systems are commonly deployed, as these systems often handle critical infrastructure functions.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the QNX 6.1 FTP client to address the format string vulnerability, along with implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual QUOTE command usage patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and regularly reviewing user access controls to minimize the potential damage from authenticated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input handling in client applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all components within embedded operating systems.