/usr/ucb/rdist "popen" allows user to gain root privileges
| rdist-popen-gain-privileges (7160) |  High Risk |
Description:
Many Unix platforms could allow a local attacker to gain root access, caused by a vulnerability in the /usr/ucb/rdist. The rdist uses popen to execute sendmail as root. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by modifying the Internal Field Separator (IFS) variable to create setuid root programs.
Platforms Affected:
- Cray, UNICOS
- NeXT, NeXTSTEP
- SGI, IRIX
- Sun, SunOS 4.0.3
- Sun, SunOS 4.1
- Sun, SunOS 4.1.1
Remedy:
For Cray UNICOS 6.0, 6.E and 6.1:
Apply the SPR 47600 patch, as listed in CERT Advisory CA-1991-20. See References.
For NeXTstep Release 2.x:
Obtain the latest version of rdist from an authorized NeXT Support Center. See References.
For IRIX 3.3.x and 4.0:
Upgrade to the latest version of IRIX (4.0.1 or later), as listed in CERT Advisory CA-1991-20. See References.
For SunOS 4.0.3, 4.1 and 4.1.1:
Apply the 100383-04 patch, as listed in Sun Microsystems, Inc. Security Bulletin #00115. See References.
For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.
Consequences:
Gain Access
References:
- 8lgm Advisory #01, [8lgm]-Advisory-1.UNIX.rdist.23-Apr-1991 at http://www.alw.nih.gov/Security/8lgm/8lgm-Advisory-01.html.
- CERT Advisory CA-1991-20, /usr/ucb/rdist Vulnerability at http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-91.20.rdist.vulnerability.
- Sun Microsystems, Inc. Security Bulletin #00110, Vulnerability with the rdist(1) command at http://sunsolve.sun.com/pub-cgi/retrieve.pl?doctype=coll&doc=secbull/110&type=0&nav=sec.sba.
- Sun Microsystems, Inc. Security Bulletin #00113, rdist can be used to create a setuid root shell. at http://sunsolve.sun.com/pub-cgi/retrieve.pl?doctype=coll&doc=secbull/110&type=0&nav=sec.sba.
- Sun Microsystems, Inc. Security Bulletin #00115, rdist at http://sunsolve.sun.com/pub-cgi/retrieve.pl?doctype=coll&doc=secbull/115&type=0&nav=sec.sba.
- BID-31: Multiple Vendor rdist(1) Vulnerability (1991)
- CVE-1999-1468: rdist in various UNIX systems uses popen to execute sendmail, which allows local users to gain root privileges by modifying the IFS (Internal Field Separator) variable.
- OSVDB ID: 8106: rdist popen IFS Variable Privilege Escalation
Reported:
Apr 23, 1991
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