CVE-2000-0414 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in shutdown command for HP-UX 11.X and 10.X allows allows local users to gain privileges via malformed input variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0414 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the shutdown command implementation of Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX operating systems version 10.X and 11.X. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the shutdown utility that processes command-line arguments and environmental variables. The flaw specifically manifests when the shutdown command receives malformed input variables that are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to elevate their privileges within the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user-supplied input parameters within the shutdown command's execution flow. When the shutdown utility processes command-line arguments or environment variables, it fails to adequately validate the format and content of these inputs, allowing maliciously crafted variables to bypass normal security checks. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where local users can manipulate the shutdown command's behavior to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the shutdown command typically requires root privileges to function, but through manipulation of input variables, attackers can potentially bypass these security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental flaw in the system's security architecture that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access. Local users who can execute the shutdown command can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local access might be more readily available to unauthorized individuals, and it could be combined with other exploitation techniques to create more sophisticated attack vectors.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user inputs can lead to privilege escalation attacks. The attack pattern follows principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local system commands that have elevated privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms within system utilities, particularly those that are designed to perform critical system functions like shutdown operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to address this vulnerability, as the flaw exists at the operating system level and requires official vendor fixes to resolve the underlying code implementation issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0414 should include immediate application of vendor patches provided by HP for HP-UX 10.X and 11.X systems, along with implementing additional security controls such as restricting local access to system commands and monitoring for suspicious shutdown command usage. System administrators should also consider implementing discretionary access controls and audit logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of regular security assessments and proper input validation practices in system-level utilities to prevent similar privilege escalation scenarios from occurring in other components of the operating system.