CVE-2008-0003 in management server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the PAMBasicAuthenticator::PAMCallback function in OpenPegasus CIM management server (tog-pegasus), when compiled to use PAM and without PEGASUS_USE_PAM_STANDALONE_PROC defined, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5360.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0003 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the OpenPegasus CIM management server implementation. This flaw specifically affects the PAMBasicAuthenticator::PAMCallback function, which handles authentication processes through the Pluggable Authentication Modules framework. The vulnerability manifests when the software is compiled with PAM support but without the PEGASUS_USE_PAM_STANDALONE_PROC compilation flag, creating an exploitable condition that could enable remote code execution. The flaw differs from CVE-2007-5360, indicating a distinct attack vector or implementation weakness within the authentication subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the PAMCallback function, which processes authentication responses from PAM modules. When authentication requests are processed through the CIM server's PAM integration, the function fails to properly bounds-check data received from authentication modules, allowing malicious input to overflow the allocated stack buffer. This classic stack buffer overflow condition occurs because the implementation does not enforce strict limits on the size of authentication data that can be processed, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the core authentication mechanism of the CIM server, which serves as a management interface for enterprise systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments that rely on OpenPegasus CIM servers for system management and monitoring. Remote attackers who can establish connections to the CIM server's authentication ports could potentially exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the CIM server process. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system management interfaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using the tog-pegasus implementation in environments where CIM management services are exposed to untrusted networks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where management interfaces often require broad network accessibility.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and privilege escalation domains, specifically targeting authentication mechanisms and system access controls. Organizations implementing this vulnerability assessment should consider the broader implications for their security posture, particularly in relation to privileged access management and network segmentation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in authentication subsystems, as highlighted by CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected OpenPegasus installations, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to CIM services, and consideration of alternative authentication mechanisms that do not rely on the vulnerable PAM integration path. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper compilation flags are applied to prevent exploitation.