CVE-2000-0283 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
The default installation of IRIX Performance Copilot allows remote attackers to access sensitive system information via the pmcd daemon.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0283 represents a significant security flaw in the IRIX Performance Copilot system, which was a performance monitoring tool developed by Silicon Graphics for their IRIX operating system. This issue specifically affects the pmcd daemon, which serves as the core component responsible for collecting and managing performance data from various system components. The default installation configuration of this daemon creates an insecure service exposure that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical flaw stems from the default configuration of the pmcd daemon where it operates with insufficient security controls and access restrictions. This daemon typically listens on network ports and accepts connections from remote hosts without implementing adequate authentication mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by connecting to the pmcd service and requesting performance data, which inadvertently reveals sensitive system information including hardware configurations, running processes, memory usage statistics, and potentially other system-level details that could be valuable for further attacks. The vulnerability operates at the network level and specifically targets the service layer where performance monitoring data is exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked system information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully accesses this data can use the gathered information to map the target system's architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and develop targeted exploitation strategies. This type of reconnaissance information is particularly valuable in the context of the ATT&CK framework where adversaries often begin their operations with reconnaissance activities to understand their target environment. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a passive reconnaissance mechanism that can reveal system topology, resource utilization patterns, and other operational details that would normally require more active probing or insider knowledge.
Security professionals should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves modifying the default installation configuration of the pmcd daemon to restrict remote access and implement proper authentication mechanisms. This includes configuring access controls to limit which hosts can connect to the performance monitoring service and ensuring that the daemon operates with the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and firewall rules to prevent unauthorized access to the pmcd service ports, as this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems. Additionally, regular security audits and configuration reviews should be conducted to ensure that performance monitoring tools are properly secured and that default installations are not left in production environments. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign system components can become security risks when not properly configured, highlighting the importance of security hardening practices and adherence to security baselines. This case also underscores the need for comprehensive security awareness training for system administrators who manage these types of monitoring tools, as default configurations often prioritize functionality over security in enterprise environments.