CVE-2005-0087 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE
The alsa-lib package in Red Hat Linux 4 disables stack protection for the libasound.so library, which makes it easier for attackers to execute arbitrary code if there are other vulnerabilities in the library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0087 resides within the alsa-lib package distributed with Red Hat Linux 4, specifically targeting the libasound.so library that forms a critical component of the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that undermines the system's overall defense mechanisms by deliberately disabling stack protection measures that are essential for preventing certain types of code execution exploits.
The technical flaw manifests through the intentional removal of stack protection mechanisms within the libasound.so library, which is a core component responsible for sound system functionality in Linux environments. Stack protection typically employs techniques such as stack canaries, stack layout randomization, and other defensive programming measures that make it substantially more difficult for attackers to successfully exploit buffer overflows and similar vulnerabilities. When these protections are disabled, the library becomes significantly more susceptible to exploitation because attackers can more easily manipulate stack layouts and execute malicious code in memory regions that would normally be protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it creates a dangerous environment where other existing vulnerabilities within the same library can be leveraged more effectively by attackers. This creates a cascading effect where even if an attacker cannot directly exploit the disabled stack protection, they can use other vulnerabilities present in the library to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects systems running Red Hat Linux 4 and potentially other distributions that ship similar versions of the alsa-lib package, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-120, which describes buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program copies data into a buffer without proper bounds checking, and with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The disabling of stack protection mechanisms directly relates to CWE-676, which addresses the use of dangerous functions that can lead to security vulnerabilities. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their systems, as the combination of disabled stack protection and potential existing vulnerabilities within the library creates a high-risk environment for exploitation. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to patched versions of the alsa-lib package that re-enable stack protection mechanisms and implementing proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential weaknesses in the sound system libraries that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability.