CVE-2007-2452 in findutils
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the visit_old_format function in locate/locate.c in locate in GNU findutils before 4.2.31 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long pathname in a locate database that has the old format, a different vulnerability than CVE-2001-1036.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2452 represents a heap-based buffer overflow within the GNU findutils locate utility, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.2.31. This issue occurs in the visit_old_format function located in the locate/locate.c file, where improper handling of pathnames in legacy locate databases creates a critical security risk. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows context-dependent attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code, making it a significant threat to systems that rely on the locate command for file searching operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation when processing pathnames stored in the old format locate database. When the visit_old_format function processes a database entry containing a particularly long pathname, it fails to properly bounds-check the data before copying it into a heap-allocated buffer. This allows an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions, including function return addresses or other critical program data structures. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions that occur in heap memory allocations rather than stack-based buffers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems running vulnerable versions of GNU findutils. Attackers can craft malicious locate database entries with excessively long pathnames to trigger the buffer overflow, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise depending on how the locate utility is used within the target environment. This vulnerability differs from CVE-2001-1036 in its specific implementation details and attack vectors, though both relate to locate database processing issues. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, typically involving the presence of a specially crafted locate database file.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2452 primarily focus on upgrading to GNU findutils version 4.2.31 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement proper database validation procedures and consider restricting access to locate database files to prevent unauthorized modification. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious locate database files, implementing least privilege principles for locate utility usage, and ensuring regular security updates are applied across all systems running GNU findutils. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of patched versions of the locate utility while ensuring proper database sanitization procedures are in place to prevent exploitation attempts.