CVE-1999-1427 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Solaris Solstice AdminSuite (AdminSuite) 2.1 and 2.2 create lock files insecurely, which allows local users to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1427 affects Solaris Solstice AdminSuite versions 2.1 and 2.2, specifically targeting the insecure creation of lock files during system administration operations. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that exploits improper file handling mechanisms within the administrative toolset. The flaw manifests when the AdminSuite component creates lock files without adequate security controls, allowing malicious local users to manipulate these files and subsequently gain root privileges on the affected system. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and security model of the Solaris operating system by undermining the privilege separation mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure creation of lock files, which falls under the category of insecure file handling and improper privilege management. When the AdminSuite component attempts to create lock files to manage concurrent access to administrative resources, it fails to properly implement security measures such as atomic file creation with appropriate permissions or secure temporary file handling. This insecure practice creates a race condition where local users can predict or manipulate the lock file creation process to gain unauthorized access to system resources that should be restricted to privileged users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization," and CWE-276, which covers "Improper Ownership Setting," as the lock file creation process fails to properly set file ownership and permissions. The underlying flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation within the system's administrative framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows any local user to escalate their privileges to root level, effectively compromising the entire system. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor establishment. The vulnerability affects systems running Solaris Solstice AdminSuite 2.1 and 2.2, which were commonly deployed in enterprise environments for system administration tasks. This creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on these administrative tools, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring network access or specialized attack vectors. The impact extends beyond immediate privilege escalation to include potential data loss, system integrity compromise, and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments governed by standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-1427 should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. The primary solution involves applying the official security patches provided by Sun Microsystems for the affected AdminSuite versions, which would correct the insecure lock file creation behavior. Organizations should also implement proper file system permissions and ownership controls, ensuring that lock files are created with appropriate security attributes and that the system maintains proper access controls. System administrators should conduct regular audits of lock file creation processes and implement monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege management, which should be addressed through comprehensive security training for developers and system administrators. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating system administration procedures to avoid similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques and ensuring proper defense-in-depth measures are implemented. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls or privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.