CVE-2005-0016 in gatos
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the exported_display function in xatitv in gatos before 0.0.5 allows local users to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0016 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the gatos library's xatitv component, specifically affecting the exported_display function. This issue exists in versions prior to 0.0.5 of the gatos library, which is a graphics library used for handling display operations in certain applications. The buffer overflow occurs when the function processes input data without proper bounds checking, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the exported_display function, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a local user context, meaning that an attacker with access to the system can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems that rely on the gatos library for graphics handling and display operations. The local execution privilege escalation aspect means that an attacker who already has user-level access to the system can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges. This creates a potential pathway for attackers to move laterally within a network or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the affected library is widely used for display management in desktop applications or graphics-intensive software.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to the target system, making it less immediately dangerous than remote exploits but still highly concerning for systems with shared or compromised user accounts. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through local system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly in libraries that handle graphics operations and user interface components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0016 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, updating the gatos library to version 0.0.5 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as privilege separation, input validation for graphics operations, and regular security assessments of third-party libraries. System administrators should monitor for any unauthorized access attempts and ensure that all software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.