CVE-1999-1243 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
sgi desktop permissions tool in irix 6.0.1 and earlier allows local users to modify permissions for arbitrary files and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1243 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the SGI IRIX operating system version 6.0.1 and earlier releases. This issue specifically targets the desktop permissions tool component that was part of the SGI IRIX desktop environment, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate file permissions and subsequently elevate their privileges on the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and permission validation mechanisms within the desktop tool's implementation, allowing unauthorized users to exploit the system's permission management functions.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of user inputs and insufficient privilege checking within the desktop permissions tool. When local users execute this tool, they can manipulate the permission settings of arbitrary files on the system without proper authorization. This occurs because the tool fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has legitimate authority to modify the target file permissions. The vulnerability essentially allows privilege escalation from a regular user account to a higher privilege level, potentially enabling attackers to gain root access or administrative control over system resources. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-276 category of improper file permissions, which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms for file system objects.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any organization running SGI IRIX systems at version 6.0.1 or earlier. Local users who can access the desktop environment can exploit this weakness to modify critical system files, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. Attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify system binaries, or gain access to sensitive data that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal prerequisites for exploitation, as local access is sufficient to trigger the privilege escalation mechanism. This makes it a prime target for both insider threats and attackers who have gained initial access to a system through other means.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the relevant security patches provided by SGI for IRIX 6.0.1 and later versions. System administrators should also consider restricting access to the desktop permissions tool for non-privileged users and implementing proper file permission controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system files and implementing robust audit trails can help detect exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation technique and potentially enabling T1083 file and directory discovery. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in desktop environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system management tools to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation scenarios.