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QNX Neutrino RTOS passwd Command Buffer Overflow


I. BACKGROUND

QNX Neutrino RTOS is a real-time operating system designed for use in
embedded systems. More information about is available at
http://www.qnx.com/products/ps_neutrino.

II. DESCRIPTION

Local exploitation of a buffer overflow in QNX Neutrino RTOS's (QNX)
'passwd' command allows attackers to gain root privileges. The problem
specifically exists in the parsing of a long string passed as the first
argument to the set user id (setuid) binary 'passwd'. The 'passwd'
command is intended for changing a users password. A string larger then
approximately 4000 bytes causes a stack overflow directly overwriting
the stored return address and allowing an attacker to seize CPU control
and eventually execute arbitrary code under root privileges.

III. ANALYSIS

Any authenticated local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to gain
super-user (root) privileges on the affected system.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities in QNX
Neutrino RTOS version 6.2.0. Earlier versions are suspected to be
susceptible to exploitation as well.

V. WORKAROUND

Clear the set user id or execute bits from the affected binary or remove
it entirely.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

This issue has been corrected in QNX Momentics 6.3.0 SP3 and later versions. A patch is also available for 6.3.0, 6.3.0 SP1, and 6.3.0 SP2 (Patch ID:270). Please contact your QNX representative, or visit http://www.qnx.com/account/login.html to obtain these patches.

VII. CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

06/04/2004 Initial vendor notification
02/07/2006 Public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

Texonet (www.texonet.com) is credited with this discovery.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.

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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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