CVE-2007-1719 in mcweject
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in eject.c in Jason W. Bacon mcweject 0.9 on FreeBSD, and possibly other versions, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument, possibly involving the device name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1719 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the mcweject utility version 0.9, specifically within the eject.c component that operates on FreeBSD systems. This issue arises from inadequate input validation when processing command line arguments, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets a utility designed for removable media management, which typically runs with elevated privileges due to its system-level operations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper bounds checking in the command line argument processing logic. When mcweject receives a command line argument that exceeds the allocated buffer size, it overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing attackers to inject malicious code. This flaw operates under CWE-121, which classifies buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data, and specifically aligns with CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds writes that occur when a buffer is accessed beyond its allocated bounds. The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism follows the standard buffer overflow attack pattern where an attacker crafts a specially crafted command line argument containing excessive data to overwrite the return address or other critical program variables.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged to compromise the entire system through various attack vectors outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Local attackers who can execute commands on the system can utilize this vulnerability to gain root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly wide given that mcweject typically operates with elevated permissions for managing removable media devices, making it a valuable target for privilege escalation attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in multiple versions suggests a systemic issue in the codebase that could affect numerous installations across different FreeBSD releases and potentially other Unix-like systems that share similar code patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a patched version of mcweject, which typically includes proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. System administrators should also implement discretionary access controls to limit local user access to privileged utilities, while employing mandatory access controls where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation practices and proper buffer management in system utilities, particularly those that handle user input with elevated privileges. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on buffer management practices should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other system components, aligning with security best practices recommended by organizations such as the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security.