CVE-2005-3566 in Cluster Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in various ha commands of VERITAS Cluster Server for UNIX before 4.0MP2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long VCSI18N_LANG environment variable to (1) haagent, (2) haalert, (3) haattr, (4) hacli, (5) hacli_runcmd, (6) haclus, (7) haconf, (8) hadebug, (9) hagrp, (10) hahb, (11) halog, (12) hareg, (13) hares, (14) hastatus, (15) hasys, (16) hatype, (17) hauser, and (18) tststew.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting VERITAS Cluster Server for UNIX versions prior to 4.0MP2, specifically targeting multiple administrative commands within the cluster management suite. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing the VCSI18N_LANG environment variable, which is utilized across eighteen distinct ha commands including haagent, haalert, haattr, hacli, hacli_runcmd, haclus, haconf, hadebug, hagrp, hahb, halog, hareg, hares, hastatus, hasys, hatype, hauser, and tststew. The buffer overflow occurs when a local attacker provides an excessively long string value for the VCSI18N_LANG environment variable, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overrun in the handling of environment variables, where the system fails to properly validate the length of input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This particular vulnerability is classified under the broader category of CWE-787, heap-based buffer overflows, though the specific implementation demonstrates stack-based exploitation characteristics. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it exploitable by users with minimal privileges who can leverage the elevated permissions of the cluster management processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments relying on VERITAS Cluster Server for mission-critical applications. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise the entire cluster infrastructure, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges and control over cluster resources. The affected commands are core administrative utilities that typically run with high privileges, meaning that exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the fundamental cluster management capabilities, potentially disrupting services, allowing data exfiltration, or enabling persistence mechanisms within the cluster environment. Attackers could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, modify cluster configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data managed by the cluster.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate patching of VERITAS Cluster Server to version 4.0MP2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including environment variable validation, privilege separation, and monitoring for unusual process behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation practices and proper bounds checking in system administration tools, particularly those handling environment variables with elevated privileges. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. This vulnerability also highlights the need for defense-in-depth strategies, including network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other system components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation would involve leveraging the compromised processes to execute malicious commands with elevated privileges.