Vulnerability Note VU#575804

CDE libDtHelp vulnerable to buffer overflow via DTHELPUSERSEARCHPATH or DTHELPSEARCHPATH

Overview

There is a vulnerability in the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) for UNIX systems which can allow a local user to gain root privileges.

I. Description

The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) is a standard desktop environment for UNIX based systems. CDE libDtHelp contains a buffer overflow that can be exploited by a local user. By modifying the DTHELPUSERSEARCHPATH or DTHELPSEARCHPATH environment variables and invoking Help an attacker can gain elevated privileges. For example, since dtprintinfo is commonly setuid root, it may be exploited by a local user to gain root privileges. Other programs that run with elevated privileges and link libDtHelp are also potential attack vectors.

II. Impact

An authenticated local user may be able to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The attacker may also be able to crash vulnerable programs causing a denial of service.

III. Solution

Apply Patch or Upgrade

Apply a patch or upgrade as advised by your vendor. See the Systems Affected section for more information.

Systems Affected

Vendor	Status	Date Notified
Cray Inc.	Unknown	16-Oct-2003
Data General	Unknown	16-Oct-2003
Hewlett-Packard Company	Vulnerable	3-Dec-2003
IBM	Not Vulnerable	4-Nov-2003
IBM eServer	Vulnerable	4-Nov-2003
Open Group	Unknown	16-Oct-2003
SCO	Vulnerable	5-Nov-2003
SGI	Unknown	16-Oct-2003
Sun Microsystems Inc.	Vulnerable	10-Nov-2003
Xi Graphics	Vulnerable	4-Nov-2003

References

http://www.opengroup.org/cde/
http://www.secunia.com/advisories/10144/
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/8973

Credit

Thanks to Kevin Kotas of Computer Associates eTrust Vulnerability Manager. Thanks also to XiGraphics and SCO for information used in this document.

This document was written by Robert C. Seacord and Art Manion.

Other Information

Date Public:	2003-11-04
Date First Published:	2003-11-04
Date Last Updated:	2004-08-26
CERT Advisory:
CVE-ID(s):	CAN-2003-0834
NVD-ID(s):	CAN-2003-0834
US-CERT Technical Alerts:
Metric:	2.81
Document Revision:	23

If you have feedback, comments, or additional information about this vulnerability, please send us email.

Get Adobe Reader