CVE-1999-0773 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Solaris lpset program allows local users to gain root access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0773 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Solaris lpset program, which serves as a printer configuration utility in the Solaris operating system. This vulnerability exists in the way the lpset program handles command-line arguments, specifically when processing user input that exceeds the allocated buffer space. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the program's memory management routines, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from the lpset program's failure to properly validate the length of input parameters passed to it during execution. When local users provide overly long arguments to the lpset command, the program attempts to store this data in a fixed-size buffer without sufficient bounds checking. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses or other critical program variables. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a program that typically runs with elevated privileges, creating opportunities for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root access. This privilege escalation occurs because the lpset program is designed to run with root privileges for printer management functions, and the buffer overflow allows an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow to gain unauthorized administrative access. The vulnerability essentially provides a direct path for local attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. Attackers can exploit this by carefully crafting input parameters that overwrite the program's stack frame to redirect execution to malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures. The primary approach requires immediate patching of the Solaris operating system through official vendor updates that address the buffer overflow in the lpset program. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and bounds checking for all user-supplied data within the system. Additionally, privilege separation techniques should be employed to ensure that programs do not run with unnecessary elevated privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to privilege escalation attacks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and specifically relates to T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the immediate security compromise, as it highlights fundamental issues in software development practices within the Solaris operating system ecosystem. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in system utilities that operate with elevated privileges. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Solaris systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system utilities and implement robust code review processes to prevent future occurrences. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to minimize the attack surface of critical system components.