CVE-2011-0765 in Layer Four Traceroute
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in lft in pWhois Layer Four Traceroute (LFT) 3.x before 3.3 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted command line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0765 resides within the pWhois Layer Four Traceroute (LFT) software version 3.x prior to 3.3, representing a local privilege escalation issue that affects the lft component of this network tracing utility. This unspecified vulnerability manifests when local users execute crafted command line arguments that exploit weaknesses in the software's input handling mechanisms. The affected system operates under the assumption that command line parameters are properly validated and sanitized before execution, creating a potential attack vector that could be leveraged by malicious local users to elevate their privileges within the system environment.
The technical flaw within LFT 3.x systems stems from inadequate validation of command line arguments passed to the lft utility, allowing attackers to inject malicious parameters that manipulate the program's execution flow. This vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the privilege management mechanisms within the software's command processing pipeline. The root cause can be categorized under CWE-78, which addresses OS Command Injection, and CWE-20, which covers Improper Input Validation, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses that enable privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation issue rather than a remote attack vector, though it can still pose significant risks in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not properly enforced.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack scenario involves a local user with basic system access who can manipulate command line parameters to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This could allow for unauthorized data access, system modification, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where LFT is installed and used with elevated privileges, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained local access through other means. The impact is further amplified in environments where multiple users share the same system and proper privilege separation mechanisms are not implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0765 focus on immediate software updates and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to LFT version 3.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command line argument validation issues. System administrators should also implement strict input validation mechanisms within their command line parsing logic and consider implementing principle of least privilege principles for applications that execute with elevated permissions. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual command line patterns, implementing application whitelisting controls, and conducting regular security assessments of network tracing utilities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1059, covering Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the importance of both privilege escalation and command injection defenses. Security monitoring should specifically target unusual command execution patterns and parameter manipulation attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts.