iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.25.04
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=134&type=vulnerabilities
August 25, 2004

I. BACKGROUND

The libDtHelp library is a core component of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE). It provides the help subsystem used by most CDE applications.

II. DESCRIPTION

Exploitation of a buffer overflow in the libDtHelp library included with CDE can allow local attackers to gain root privileges.

The vulnerability specifically exists due to a lack of bounds checking on the LOGNAME environment variable. Local attackers can specify a long LOGNAME to trigger a buffer overflow in any application linked with libDtHelp. The overflow is activated once the help subsystem is accessed by selecting any option under the Help menu.

This vulnerability occurs in the same sequence of code as the previously disclosed DTSEARCHPATH and DTUSERSEARCHPATH vulnerabilities, described in CAN-2003-0834. However, the LOGNAME environment variable was not reported as a method of attack in related advisories.

US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#575804, detailing the original attack vectors is available at:

http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/575804

III. ANALYSIS

Successful exploitation leads to root level access. CDE is a widely deployed default desktop environment for UNIX operating systems. Depending on the function of the machine, this vulnerability could lead to exposure of highly sensitive data. The vulnerability is easily exploitable even when stack protections are enabled, furthering the impact of exposure.

IV. DETECTION

iDEFENSE has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in Solaris 8 and Solaris 9 without the patches provided for in Sun Alert 57414. Hewlett Packard HP-UX, Silicon Graphics, Inc. Irix and SCO Unixware are also reportedly vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

If possible, remove the setuid bit from all applications linked to libDtHelp. The command 'ldd' will display libraries linked with the specified executable.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Sun successfully addressed this issue with the patches described in Sun Alert 57414. Specific vendor advisories addressing CAN-2003-0834 are available in US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#575804 (http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/575804). It is believed that other vendor patches for CAN-2003-0834 will protect against this new attack vector.

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CAN-2003-0834 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

03/04/2004 Initial vendor contact
(Opengroup.org)
03/04/2004 iDEFENSE clients notified
03/31/2004 Initial vendor response
(Opengroup.org - further coordination requested)
04/19/2004 Initial vendor contact
(Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun Microsystems)
04/19/2004 Initial vendor response (Sun Microsystems)
04/20/2004 Initial vendor response (Hewlett-Packard)
08/25/2004 Public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

iDEFENSE Labs is credited with discovering this vulnerability.

Get paid for vulnerability research
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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright (c) 2004 iDEFENSE, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please email customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an as is condition. There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.