CVE-2005-1738 in Iron Bars SHell
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the logPrintBadfile function in delbadfiles.c Iron Bars SHell (ibsh) before 0.3d allows users to "access files outside the home directory" and possibly execute arbitrary code via certain inputs that are not properly handled in a syslog call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1738 represents a critical format string flaw within the Iron Bars Shell (ibsh) software suite, specifically within the logPrintBadfile function located in the delbadfiles.c source file. This issue affects ibsh versions prior to 0.3d and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and string handling that creates significant security implications for system integrity and user data protection. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-supplied input within a syslog function call, which serves as the foundation for the exploitable condition.
The technical flaw manifests when the logPrintBadfile function processes user input without adequate sanitization or formatting controls, allowing maliciously crafted input to manipulate the format string parameters passed to the syslog function. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data. When the syslog function receives untrusted input as part of its format string argument, it interprets special format specifiers contained within the input, potentially leading to information disclosure, application crashes, or in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal file access controls and access files outside the designated home directory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to read arbitrary files from the system filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, authentication credentials, or other confidential information. The capability to execute arbitrary code through this vector places the entire system at risk, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.002 for Valid Accounts, as it allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where ibsh is used for file management operations, as it could enable attackers to compromise other users' data or system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected ibsh installations to version 0.3d or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper input validation and format string handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as format specifiers, including the use of printf-style functions with explicit format strings rather than user-controlled format arguments. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in shell utilities, particularly when dealing with system-level functions such as syslog that interact with the operating system's logging infrastructure. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components that may present similar risks.