CVE-2000-0468 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
man in HP-UX 10.20 and 11 allows local attackers to overwrite files via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0468 represents a significant security flaw in Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX operating systems version 10.20 and 11. This issue manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that enables local attackers to manipulate file systems through symbolic link attacks. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of symbolic links during file operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to overwrite critical system files or redirect file access to unintended locations.
This vulnerability operates within the context of local privilege escalation attacks and falls under the category of file system manipulation exploits. The technical implementation involves attackers creating malicious symbolic links that can be exploited when legitimate system utilities or user applications process file operations. The flaw specifically affects how the system handles symbolic link resolution during file creation or modification processes, allowing attackers to substitute their own files for legitimate system files through carefully crafted symlink attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0468 extends beyond simple file overwriting capabilities, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can enable attackers to replace critical system binaries or configuration files with malicious equivalents, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's local nature means that attackers must already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation aspect makes it particularly dangerous for users with limited access rights.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-59 and CWE-22 categories, representing weaknesses in file system handling and path traversal mechanisms. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting system service and file system manipulation domains. Organizations running HP-UX 10.20 and 11 systems face significant risk exposure, as this vulnerability can be exploited to bypass standard security controls and establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0468 primarily focus on system hardening and proper file system permissions. Organizations should implement strict file system access controls, regularly audit symbolic link usage, and ensure proper privilege separation between system utilities and user applications. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to supported versions of HP-UX that have addressed this vulnerability through proper input validation and secure file handling mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper security awareness training for system administrators can help prevent accidental exploitation through improper file system management practices.