[ SOURCE: http://www.secureroot.com/security/advisories/9641768683.html ] PRODUCT: DIGITAL UNIX[TM] V4.0, V4.0A, V4.0B MARCH 6, 1997 TITLE: Division of Privilege (DoP) - Potential Security Vulnerability SOURCE: Digital Equipment Corporation Software Security Response Team/Colorado Springs USA "Digital is broadly distributing this Security Advisory in order to bring to the attention of users of Digital's products the important security information contained in this Advisory. Digital recommends that all users determine the applicability of this information to their individual situations and take appropriate action. Digital does not warrant that this information is necessarily accurate or complete for all user situations and, consequently, Digital will not be responsible for any damages resulting from user's use or disregard of the information provided in this Advisory." - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPACT: Digital has discovered a potential vulnerability with the Division of Privilege (DoP), "/usr/sbin/dop" for DIGITAL UNIX V4.0, V4.0A and V4.0B, where under certain circumstances, an unauthorized user may gain unauthorized privileges. Digital strongly recommends that the workaround be implemented immediately for any version affected, and that the appropriate patch kit be installed as soon as it becomes available. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RESOLUTION: This potential security issue has been resolved and an official fix for this problem will be made available beginning the 13th of March 1997. As the patches become available per affected version, Digital will provide them through: o the World Wide Web at the following FTP address: ftp://ftp.service.digital.com/public/ the sub directory Digital_UNIX, key identifier SSRT0435U Note: [1]The patch kits mentioned above will be replaced in the near future through normal patch release procedures. [2]The appropriate patch kit must be reinstalled following any upgrade beginning with V4.0 up to and including V4.0b. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPORARY WORKAROUND: Prior to receiving the official patch for this fix, a temporary workaround for this problem is to clear the setuid bit from the /usr/sbin/dop command as follows: # chmod 0 /usr/sbin/dop This temporary workaround will resolve the security issue, but will also defeat DoP's purpose. See "ADDITIONAL COMMENTS" below for the purpose of DoP, the effect of using this temporary workaround, and what to do as a solution while using this temporary workaround. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The DoP command is used to provide non-root users with the ability to enter the root password to access the graphical system management applications via the CDE application manager or the Host Manager. When a non-root user attempts to execute a system management application through one of these applications, the user will be prompted with a password dialog. If the user enters the correct root password, they will gain root privilege while running the given application. If the setuid bit is cleared from /usr/sbin/dop, then users will not be able to access the system management applications from either the CDE application manager or the Host Manager. The following are workarounds to allow users to run the graphical system management applications with DoP disabled: [1] Log into a CDE session as root and access the system management applications. [2] If logged in as a normal user, become root in your preferred X-based terminal emulator (xterm, dxterm, dtterm, etc.) and run the graphical system management application via the command line. If you need further information, please contact your normal DIGITAL support channel. DIGITAL appreciates your cooperation and patience. We regret any inconvenience applying this information may cause. __________________________________________________________________ Copyright (c) Digital Equipment Corporation, 1995 All Rights Reserved. Unpublished Rights Reserved Under The Copyright Laws Of The United States. __________________________________________________________________