QNX RTOS 6.3.0 rc.local Insecure File Permissions Vulnerability
iDefense Security Advisory 02.07.06 http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/display.php?id=387 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 design vulnerability in QNX Software Systems QNX Realtime Operating System (RTOS) allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The problem specifically exists because QNX RTOS 6.3.0 ships with world writable permissions on the file /etc/rc.d/rc.local. This file is parsed and executed with root privileges upon startup. An attacker can insert commands into this file which will then be executed once the operating system is restarted. III. ANALYSIS Successful exploitation allows local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. This vulnerability when combined with a local system-wide denial of service vulnerability allows an attacker to gain immediate root privileges. IV. DETECTION iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in QNX RTOS version 6.3.0. Version 6.0 was also tested and found to not be vulnerable. V. WORKAROUND Set more restrictive permissions on the rc.local file: chmod 644 /etc/rc.d.rc.local 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 12/24/2004 Initial vendor notification 02/07/2006 Public disclosure IX. CREDIT The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous. 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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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.