CVE-2008-1688 in GNU
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in GNU m4 before 1.4.11 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to improper handling of filenames specified with the -F option. NOTE: it is not clear when this issue crosses privilege boundaries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1688 affects the GNU m4 macro processor version 1.4.10 and earlier, presenting a security risk that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. This issue stems from improper handling of filenames when the -F command line option is utilized, creating a context-dependent attack vector that requires careful analysis of the execution environment and privilege levels involved. The GNU m4 tool is widely used in software build systems and autotools infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for system administrators and developers who rely on these components for automated build processes.
The technical flaw manifests in the way GNU m4 processes filename arguments when the -F option is specified, which allows attackers to manipulate file paths in ways that could lead to unintended code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and path handling issues, which are commonly classified as CWE-78 and CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to how the tool is invoked and the environment in which it operates, making it particularly challenging to predict and defend against.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems through build processes that utilize GNU m4. Attackers might leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input files or manipulating the environment in which m4 is executed, particularly in automated build environments where the tool might be invoked with elevated privileges. The uncertainty regarding privilege boundary crossing makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous because it could potentially be exploited to escalate privileges or compromise systems at multiple levels, depending on how m4 is integrated into larger software development workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1688 should focus on updating to GNU m4 version 1.4.11 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the filename handling issues. System administrators should also implement strict input validation for all m4 invocations and consider restricting the execution environment to prevent unauthorized file access. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and potentially T1546.003 for Create or Modify System Process, as attackers might leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through modified build processes. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious m4 usage patterns and consider implementing sandboxing techniques for build environments to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.