CVE-2008-1377 in X11
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) SProcRecordCreateContext and (2) SProcRecordRegisterClients functions in the Record extension and the (3) SProcSecurityGenerateAuthorization function in the Security extension in the X server 1.4 in X.Org X11R7.3 allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via requests with crafted length values that specify an arbitrary number of bytes to be swapped on the heap, which triggers heap corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1377 represents a critical heap corruption issue affecting the X server implementation within the X.Org X11R7.3 distribution. This flaw exists in multiple functions across the Record and Security extensions, specifically targeting the SProcRecordCreateContext and SProcRecordRegisterClients functions in the Record extension, along with the SProcSecurityGenerateAuthorization function in the Security extension. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize length parameters in client requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate heap memory structures through crafted data sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when context-dependent attackers submit specially crafted requests containing manipulated length values that instruct the X server to swap an arbitrary number of bytes on the heap. This manipulation leads to heap corruption, which can result in memory overwrite conditions and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the protocol level where the server processes client requests without sufficient bounds checking, enabling attackers to specify lengths that exceed the allocated heap buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap memory regions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the corrupted heap memory.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1377 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the X server process. This presents significant security implications for systems relying on X11 graphics servers, particularly in environments where multiple users or untrusted clients have access to the X server. The vulnerability affects systems running X.Org X11R7.3 and potentially other versions where similar heap management flaws exist in the Record and Security extension implementations. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, typically involving the ability to send crafted requests to the X server, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when X11 forwarding is enabled. The heap corruption can lead to system instability, denial of service conditions, or more severe consequences including complete system compromise depending on the privileges of the X server process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1377 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the X server's protocol handling code. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of X.Org X11 that address these heap corruption vulnerabilities, as the original implementation contains fundamental flaws in memory management for the affected extensions. The recommended approach includes applying security patches that correct the length validation routines in the Record and Security extension functions, ensuring that all input parameters are properly validated before any heap manipulation occurs. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of X server services can reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary X server extensions when possible and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and adherence to secure coding standards, particularly when handling user-supplied data in server applications.