CVE-2008-1628 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the audit_log_user_command function in lib/audit_logging.c in Linux Audit before 1.7 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long command argument. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1628 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Linux Audit subsystem, specifically affecting the audit_log_user_command function located in lib/audit_logging.c. This flaw exists in Linux Audit versions prior to 1.7 and presents a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing command arguments, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to overflow the stack buffer and potentially gain control over the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the audit_log_user_command function failing to properly check the length of command arguments before copying them into a fixed-size stack buffer. When a maliciously crafted long command argument is passed to this function, it exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten. This classic buffer overflow scenario enables attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses and potentially injecting malicious code into the stack. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the audit subsystem, which typically runs with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it affects the fundamental security posture of Linux systems that rely on audit logging for security monitoring and compliance. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the audit daemon process, which often runs with root-level permissions. This could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges further, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring local access, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1628 primarily focus on upgrading to Linux Audit version 1.7 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers, while monitoring audit logs for suspicious command executions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Access of Resource Using Buffer, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how buffer overflow vulnerabilities can be leveraged to achieve higher system privileges and maintain persistent access to compromised systems.