CVE-2004-1683 in RTP
Summary
by MITRE
A race condition in crrtrap for QNX RTP 6.1 allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the PATH environment variable to reference a malicious io-graphics program before is executed by crrtrap.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1683 represents a critical race condition flaw within the crrtrap component of QNX RTP 6.1 operating system. This issue specifically targets the privilege escalation mechanism that occurs when the system executes the io-graphics program through the crrtrap utility. The race condition manifests when local users manipulate the PATH environment variable to point to a maliciously crafted io-graphics program before the legitimate system component is executed. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of race condition flaws that are classified under CWE-362, which deals with concurrent execution using shared resources without proper synchronization mechanisms. The fundamental security weakness lies in the improper handling of environment variables and program execution sequences during the system boot or runtime initialization processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully timed sequence of actions that takes advantage of the temporal window between when the crrtrap utility reads the PATH environment variable and when it executes the referenced io-graphics program. During this brief interval, a local attacker can substitute the legitimate system binary with a malicious version that has been crafted to escalate privileges. The attack vector leverages the fact that crrtrap does not properly validate or secure the execution path of the io-graphics program, creating an opportunity for privilege elevation that violates the principle of least privilege. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows unprivileged local users to potentially gain root or administrative access to the system, which constitutes a severe compromise of system integrity and confidentiality.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1683 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for systems running QNX RTP 6.1. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access, potentially allowing them to modify system files, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires local system access and is classified under the ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation through environment variable manipulation and execution of modified system binaries. Systems utilizing QNX RTP 6.1 that have not been patched remain vulnerable to this attack, particularly in environments where local user access is not properly restricted or where the system lacks proper security controls around environment variable handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the race condition in crrtrap by implementing proper synchronization mechanisms and validating program execution paths. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of environment variable modifications, particularly PATH, to detect potential tampering attempts. The implementation of security measures such as file integrity monitoring, proper privilege separation, and regular security audits can help prevent exploitation of this race condition. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for all system components and regularly review system configurations to ensure that environment variables are properly secured against manipulation by unauthorized users. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper synchronization in concurrent system operations and serves as a reminder of the security implications of seemingly minor implementation flaws in system utilities.