Executive brief
A security flaw in a core component of the X Windowing System, a graphical interface used on many Unix-like operating systems, could allow a local user to gain full administrative control. By exploiting a memory handling error in the Xt library, an individual with basic access to the system can execute commands with the highest level of privileges (root). This could lead to a complete compromise of the system, including unauthorized access to all data and the ability to modify or delete critical files.
Technical details
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the X Toolkit Intrinsics (Xt) library, a foundational component of the X Windowing System. The flaw is triggered by improper bounds checking during the processing of specific inputs, such as environment variables or command-line arguments, by programs linked against the vulnerable library. A local attacker can exploit this by providing specially crafted input to a setuid-root application that utilizes the Xt library, leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to bypass security controls and elevate their privileges to root. Patches were released by various Unix vendors following the initial disclosure in 1997.
Affected products
- X.Org Foundation Xt Library (X Toolkit Intrinsics) Versions prior to May 1997 patches
- Sun Microsystems Solaris 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.5.1
Timeline
- 1997-05-01: disclosed: Initial publication of the vulnerability details.
- 1997-05-01: advisory: NVD published date.