CVE-2005-0121 in golddig
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in golddig 2.0 and earlier allow local users to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long map name command line argument or (2) a long username as recorded in the USER environment variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0121 represents a critical security flaw in golddig version 2.0 and earlier, a software application that appears to be related to gaming or digital content management. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit buffer overflow conditions, allowing local users to potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw resides in the application's handling of command line arguments and environment variables, specifically when processing user-provided input data that exceeds allocated memory boundaries. Buffer overflows of this nature are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to complete system compromise when malicious data is injected into the application's memory space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the golddig application processes either an excessively long map name provided as a command line argument or a lengthy username stored within the USER environment variable. In both cases, the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overflow these memory structures. When a buffer overflow occurs, the excess data can overwrite critical program memory including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. This memory corruption can be manipulated by attackers to redirect program execution flow, effectively allowing them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires an attacker to already have access to the system to exploit it, but the potential impact remains severe.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0121 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by malicious actors. Local users with access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent access through backdoor mechanisms. The exploitation of such buffer overflows aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique frameworks, particularly those involving code injection and privilege escalation. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development. The flaw also relates to common weakness enumerations such as CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflows, though the specific implementation appears to be stack-based given the command line argument and environment variable contexts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches to all affected installations of golddig, as the vulnerability exists in versions 2.0 and earlier. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures can serve as a defensive technique against similar vulnerabilities, including length checking for command line arguments and environment variables, as well as implementing stack canaries or other memory protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting user access to systems running vulnerable software. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices, particularly those aligned with industry standards such as the CERT C Secure Coding Standard, which provides guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions through proper memory management and input validation techniques. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in their software inventory, as this type of vulnerability remains prevalent in legacy applications and can provide attackers with significant entry points into target environments.