CVE-2005-1394 in arcinfo workstation
Summary
by MITRE
format string vulnerability in arcgis for esri arcinfo workstation 9.0 allows local users to gain privileges via format string specifiers in the archome environment variable to (1) wservice or (2) lockmgr.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1394 represents a critical format string flaw within ESRI ArcInfo Workstation 9.0, specifically affecting the arcgis software ecosystem. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the archome environment variable, which is processed by two critical system components: wservice and lockmgr. The flaw demonstrates a classic security weakness where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate memory through format specifiers, potentially leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects local users who can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges within the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same workstation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper use of format string functions in the software's codebase, specifically in how the archome environment variable is processed by the wservice and lockmgr components. When these applications process the archome variable without proper sanitization or validation, they become susceptible to format string attacks where malicious input can contain format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that can be exploited to read from or write to memory locations. This flaw falls under the CWE-134 category of format string vulnerabilities, which is classified as a weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate how strings are formatted and interpreted. The vulnerability represents a direct violation of secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and the SANS Top 25, where improper input validation leads to potential privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1394 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and data within the ArcInfo Workstation environment. Local users who can manipulate the archome environment variable gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access restricted system files, modify database contents, or compromise the integrity of geospatial data processing workflows. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise GIS environments where ArcInfo Workstation may be running with elevated permissions and handling sensitive spatial data. The attack vector operates through environment variable manipulation, which is a common technique in privilege escalation attacks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through local exploitation. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of spatial data processing systems, potentially compromising critical infrastructure mapping and geographic information systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1394 require immediate attention through software updates and configuration hardening. ESRI released patches to address this vulnerability in subsequent versions of ArcInfo Workstation, and organizations should prioritize applying these security updates to eliminate the risk. System administrators should implement strict environment variable validation and sanitize all user inputs before processing, particularly for variables that are used in format string operations. Additional protective measures include restricting local user access to system components, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for unusual environment variable modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines, where developers should avoid using user-supplied data directly in format string functions without proper sanitization. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise networks.