CVE-2004-2658 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
resmgr in SUSE CORE 9 does not properly identify terminal names, which allows local users to spoof terminals and login types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2658 affects the resmgr component within SUSE CORE 9 operating system, specifically targeting how terminal names are identified and validated during the authentication process. This flaw resides in the core system resource management functionality that handles terminal session tracking and user authentication contexts. The issue manifests when the system fails to properly validate or verify terminal identifiers, creating opportunities for malicious users to manipulate terminal identification information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and terminal name verification mechanisms within the resmgr service. When users attempt to establish terminal sessions, the system should rigorously validate the terminal identifier against legitimate values and ensure proper authentication contexts are maintained. However, the flawed implementation allows attackers to craft or manipulate terminal names that appear legitimate to the system's validation routines. This weakness directly relates to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically impacts the system's ability to maintain secure authentication boundaries. The vulnerability enables attackers to spoof terminal identification information, potentially allowing them to masquerade as legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the terminal session management system. Local users who exploit this flaw can potentially bypass authentication mechanisms, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and manipulate session contexts that should remain protected. This creates a significant security risk for multi-user systems where terminal sessions are used for authentication and access control. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where terminal identification is used for logging, auditing, and access control decisions, as attackers can manipulate these identifiers to hide their activities or gain elevated privileges. The attack vector is primarily local, meaning it requires physical or network access to the system, but the implications are severe for system integrity and audit trail reliability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on strengthening input validation mechanisms within the resmgr component and implementing proper terminal name verification procedures. System administrators should ensure that all terminal identification information is rigorously validated against known legitimate values and that proper access controls are enforced. The recommended approach includes implementing comprehensive terminal name validation checks that verify terminal identifiers against established patterns and legitimate session contexts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms that can detect anomalous terminal identification patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.003, which covers abuse of sudo permissions, as the spoofing capability could enable privilege escalation through manipulated terminal contexts. Regular system updates and security patches should be applied to address the underlying implementation flaws, while security awareness training for system administrators can help identify potential exploitation attempts through unusual authentication patterns or session management anomalies.