CVE-2000-0702 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
The net.init rc script in HP-UX 11.00 (S008net.init) allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack that points from /tmp/stcp.conf to the targeted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0702 represents a classic symlink attack scenario that exploits improper file handling within the HP-UX operating system's network initialization script. This issue specifically affects HP-UX version 11.00 where the net.init rc script contains a flaw that allows local attackers to manipulate file system permissions and overwrite critical system files through symbolic link manipulation. The vulnerability stems from the script's insecure handling of temporary files in the /tmp directory, creating a window of opportunity for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the net.init script's approach to creating and managing the /tmp/stcp.conf file during network initialization processes. When the script executes, it creates a temporary file in the /tmp directory without proper security checks or atomic file creation mechanisms. Local users can exploit this by creating a symbolic link from /tmp/stcp.conf to any target file they wish to overwrite, effectively bypassing normal file permissions and access controls. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-377 as insecure temporary file handling and falls under the broader category of CWE-59 as improper file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to potentially overwrite critical system configuration files, user data files, or even system binaries with malicious content. Attackers could leverage this to modify network configuration parameters, inject malicious code into system files, or disrupt normal system operations. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where the net.init script runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges from local user level to system administrator level. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through insecure file permissions and symbolic link manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected HP-UX systems with the appropriate security updates from HP. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and ensure that temporary files are created atomically without symbolic link vulnerabilities. The recommended approach includes verifying that /tmp directory permissions are properly set, implementing proper file creation techniques that prevent symlink attacks, and monitoring for unauthorized file system modifications. Additionally, security best practices suggest implementing file integrity monitoring solutions and ensuring that system scripts do not create temporary files in world-writable directories without proper security checks. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components and ensure that all temporary file handling follows secure coding practices that prevent race conditions and symbolic link attacks.