CVE-2006-4803 in Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Fan-Out Linux and UNIX receiver scripts in Novell Identity Manager (IDM) 3.0.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors involving certain environment variables and "code injection."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4803 resides within the Fan-Out Linux and UNIX receiver scripts of Novell Identity Manager version 3.0.1, representing a critical security flaw that enables local users to execute arbitrary commands through code injection techniques. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of environment variables within the receiver scripts, creating an avenue for malicious command execution that bypasses normal security controls. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to manipulate environment variables in ways that cause the scripts to interpret and execute unintended commands, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the system's command processing mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that involve environment variable manipulation and code injection methodologies, which aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in CWE-78 and CWE-94 categories. These vectors typically involve scenarios where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation, creating opportunities for command injection attacks that can escalate privileges and compromise system integrity. The receiver scripts in question likely utilize shell execution functions that process environment variables without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides local attackers with potential access to system resources and capabilities that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the broader Identity Manager ecosystem and could potentially be exploited as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly in environments where IDM is used for identity management and access control. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where identity management systems serve as critical infrastructure components that control access to sensitive resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4803 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Novell Identity Manager version 3.0.1, as well as implementing strict input validation and environment variable sanitization practices within the receiver scripts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation, and deploy monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with environment variables and shell command execution, as outlined in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to command injection and privilege escalation. Additionally, system administrators should review and audit all scripts that handle environment variables to ensure they follow secure coding practices and do not expose similar vulnerabilities.