QNX Neutrino RTOS phfont Race Condition Vulnerability iDefense Security Advisory 02.07.06 http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/display.php?id=383 February 7, 2006 I. BACKGROUND QNX Software Systems Ltd.'s Neutrino RTOS (QNX) is a real-time operating system designed for use in embedded systems. More information is available at: http://www.qnx.com/products/rtos/ II. DESCRIPTION Local exploitation of a race condition vulnerability in QNX Neutrino RTOS's (QNX) phfont command allows attackers to gain root privileges. QNX Neutrino RTOS is a real-time operating system designed for use in embedded systems. The problem specifically exists because phfont spawns another command, phfontphf, without proper sanity checking. A local attacker can create a malicious replacement for this command and cause it to be executed in place of the original by manipulating the PHFONT and PHOTON2_PATH environment variables. phfont is installed set user id root by default. III. ANALYSIS Successful exploitation provides local attackers with super user privileges on the affected system, allowing for complete control. IV. DETECTION iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities in QNX Neutrino RTOS version 6.2.1. Earlier versions are also suspected to be susceptible to exploitation. V. WORKAROUND Clear the set user ID or execute bits from the affected binary or remove it entirely. VI. VENDOR RESPONSE The vendor has not responded to communication regarding this issue. VII. CVE INFORMATION A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not been assigned yet. VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE 09/29/2004 Initial vendor notification 02/07/2006 Public disclosure IX. CREDIT Knud Hojgaard (http://kokanin.dtors.net) is credited with this discovery. Get paid for vulnerability research http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp Free tools, research and upcoming events http://labs.idefense.com X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright © 2006 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@private 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.
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