CVE-2005-1125 in libsafe
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in libsafe 2.0.16 and earlier, when running in multi-threaded applications, allows attackers to bypass libsafe protection and exploit other vulnerabilities before the _libsafe_die function call is completed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1125 represents a critical race condition flaw within libsafe version 2.0.16 and earlier implementations. Libsafe is a security library designed to protect against buffer overflow attacks by monitoring and intercepting potentially dangerous system calls. This particular vulnerability arises specifically in multi-threaded application environments where the timing and execution flow of concurrent processes creates exploitable conditions. The race condition occurs during the execution of the _libsafe_die function, which is responsible for terminating programs when buffer overflow detection is triggered. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the execution sequence and timing to bypass the intended protection mechanisms before the protective function completes its execution.
The technical implementation of this race condition stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within libsafe's multi-threaded handling. When multiple threads execute simultaneously, the library fails to properly coordinate access to critical sections where the _libsafe_die function operates. This lack of proper thread synchronization creates windows of opportunity for attackers to exploit the system before the protective measures are fully enforced. The vulnerability specifically targets the timing aspect of the library's operation, where an attacker can execute malicious code or trigger other exploitable conditions during the brief period when the system is transitioning from normal operation to protective termination. This type of race condition falls under the CWE-362 category of "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization" and demonstrates a classic weakness in multi-threaded programming where shared resources are accessed without adequate locking mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any application that relies on libsafe for buffer overflow protection and operates in multi-threaded environments. Attackers can leverage this race condition to bypass the very protections that libsafe is designed to provide, potentially allowing them to exploit other vulnerabilities within the application or system. This creates a cascading effect where the primary security mechanism becomes ineffective, leaving the system exposed to buffer overflow attacks and related exploits. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security premise of libsafe by providing attackers with a timing-based bypass mechanism. Systems running applications with libsafe protection in multi-threaded configurations become particularly vulnerable, as the race condition can be reliably exploited to defeat the library's intended security functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the immediate flaw and broader security considerations. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to libsafe versions that have addressed this race condition through proper thread synchronization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to verify that their applications no longer exhibit this vulnerability after upgrading. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing alternative security measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other modern exploit prevention techniques that do not rely on the vulnerable libsafe library. From an operational security standpoint, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify all instances where libsafe is utilized, particularly in multi-threaded contexts, and develop contingency plans for systems that cannot immediately be upgraded. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper thread synchronization techniques as outlined in various security frameworks and standards, including those addressing the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for exploit prevention and system hardening.