glibc RESOLV_HOST_CONF File Read Access Vulnerability

BID:2181

Info

glibc RESOLV_HOST_CONF File Read Access Vulnerability

Bugtraq ID: 2181
Class: Access Validation Error
CVE:
Remote: No
Local: Yes
Published: Jan 10 2001 12:00AM
Updated: Jan 10 2001 12:00AM
Credit: This vulnerability was first announced by Matt Zimmerman <[email protected]> on January 8, 2001 via the Vuln-Dev mailing list.
Vulnerable: Wirex Immunix OS 7.0 -Beta
Terra Soft Solutions Yellow Dog Linux 2.0
Redhat nscd-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm
+ Redhat Linux 7.0
Redhat Linux 7.0 i386
Redhat Linux 7.0 alpha
Redhat glibc-profile-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm
+ Redhat Linux 7.0
Redhat glibc-devel-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm
+ Redhat Linux 7.0
Redhat glibc-2.1.92-14.i686.rpm
+ Redhat Linux 7.0
Redhat glibc-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm
+ Redhat Linux 7.0
Debian Linux 2.3
Not Vulnerable: Slackware Linux 7.1
Slackware Linux 7.0
Debian Linux 2.2

Discussion

glibc RESOLV_HOST_CONF File Read Access Vulnerability

glibc is the C Library distributed with most implementations of the Linux Operating System. It is freely available through the Free Software Foundation, and publicly maintained.

A problem in versions of glibc 2.1.9 and greater allow a local user access to restricted files. A typo in the glibc source creates a situation of insufficent validation and clearing of the environment variable RESOLV_HOST_CONF, a controlled environment variable that is normally cleared when suid/sgid programs are executed. Therefore, it is possible for a local user to set this environment variable to a sensitive system file and gain read privileges to the file. This vulnerability makes it possible for a user with malicious intent to read the shadow file, and gain access to encrypted passwords. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to compromise of system accounts, elevated privileges, and potentially administrative access.

Exploit / POC

glibc RESOLV_HOST_CONF File Read Access Vulnerability

Currently the SecurityFocus staff are not aware of any exploits for this issue. If you feel we are in error or are aware of more recent information, please mail us at: [email protected].

Solution / Fix

glibc RESOLV_HOST_CONF File Read Access Vulnerability

Solution:
Updates available:


Redhat glibc-devel-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm

Redhat nscd-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm

Redhat glibc-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm

Redhat glibc-profile-2.1.92-14.i386.rpm

Redhat glibc-2.1.92-14.i686.rpm

Redhat Linux 7.0 alpha

Redhat Linux 7.0 i386

Wirex Immunix OS 7.0 -Beta
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