CVE-2007-3124 in FreeVMS
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in backup/src/vmsbackup.c (aka the backup utility) in FreeVMS before 0.3.6 might allow local users to gain privileges via a long string in response to an "extract [ny]" prompt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3124 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeVMS backup utility's source code file backup/src/vmsbackup.c. This issue affects versions of FreeVMS prior to 0.3.6 and specifically targets the command-line interaction process where users respond to an "extract [ny]" prompt. The buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of user input, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the backup utility's interactive prompt handling mechanism. When the system presents the "extract [ny]" question to users, it does not enforce strict bounds checking on the response length, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which represents a fundamental weakness in the software's memory management practices.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability is significant for any system running affected versions of FreeVMS. Local users who can interact with the backup utility gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the backup process, which typically operates with elevated permissions due to its system-level functions. This creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes privilege escalation through local exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3124 should prioritize immediate patching of affected FreeVMS installations to version 0.3.6 or later, where the buffer overflow has been resolved through proper input validation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization measures, and monitoring for unusual backup utility activity. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched version to ensure no regression issues affect legitimate backup operations. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques and restricting local access to backup utilities to minimize the attack surface. Network segmentation and access control measures can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.