CVE-2006-0177 in UNICOS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Cray UNICOS 9.0.2.2 might allow local users to gain privileges by (1) invoking /usr/bin/script with a long command line argument or (2) setting the -c option of /etc/nu to the name of a file containing a long line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0177 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting Cray UNICOS 9.0.2.2 operating systems. This flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within system utilities. The first vector involves the /usr/bin/script program where a local attacker can trigger a buffer overflow by providing an excessively long command line argument, while the second vector targets the /etc/nu utility through the -c option, which accepts file names containing long lines that exceed buffer capacity limits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking in the command line processing functions of these system utilities. When the script utility processes command line arguments or when the nu utility handles file input through the -c option, the programs fail to validate the length of input data against predetermined buffer sizes. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The buffer overflow occurs in the kernel or system-level processes that handle these utilities, making the attack particularly dangerous as it operates at a privileged level within the operating system architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0177 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating potential pathways for persistent system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Local users who can execute these utilities gain the ability to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to modify system files, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the core system utilities that are frequently used by legitimate users, making exploitation both feasible and difficult to detect. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain root access or administrative privileges, effectively bypassing standard authentication mechanisms and creating a persistent threat vector.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack patterns align with ATT&CK techniques such as T1068, which involves the use of privilege escalation techniques, and T1059, which encompasses command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how insufficient input validation in system utilities can create exploitable conditions that allow local users to escalate their privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates, input validation hardening, and monitoring for suspicious execution patterns of these utilities to prevent exploitation.
The remediation approach for CVE-2006-0177 requires comprehensive system hardening measures and proactive security controls. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor patches and updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in the affected utilities. Additionally, implementing strict input validation procedures, reducing the privileges of system utilities, and establishing monitoring protocols for unusual command line usage can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews for system-level utilities to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow conditions before they can be exploited by malicious actors.