CVE-2000-0730 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in newgrp command in HP-UX 11.0 allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0730 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the newgrp command implementation on HP-UX 11.0 operating systems. This issue stems from improper handling of group membership changes during the execution of the newgrp utility, which is designed to allow users to switch to a different primary group. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes group membership modifications, creating a condition where local attackers can exploit the command's behavior to elevate their privileges beyond normal user limitations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure implementation of group switching mechanisms within the HP-UX operating system's user management framework. When the newgrp command executes, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the group identifier parameters, allowing malicious input that can manipulate the command's execution flow. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation because the command does not adequately verify that the user attempting to switch groups has the necessary authorization to perform such an operation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it operates at the system level where proper access controls should be enforced, yet the command's implementation contains a logic flaw that permits unauthorized privilege elevation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system security and integrity. Local users who can execute the newgrp command can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access restricted system resources, modify critical files, or execute administrative functions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with basic system access. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of HP-UX 11.0 by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation through a standard system utility, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on improper privilege management within system utilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to privilege escalation techniques under the T1068 category, where adversaries exploit weaknesses in system utilities to gain elevated access. The attack surface is broad as the newgrp command is a standard system utility that all users can potentially access, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. Organizations using HP-UX 11.0 systems face a critical security risk that requires immediate attention to prevent potential compromise of their entire system infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of system patches provided by HP to address the privilege escalation flaw in the newgrp command. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any unauthorized modifications to system utilities and ensure proper access controls are enforced. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions that track execution of the newgrp command can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting access to the newgrp command or employing more robust group management solutions that do not exhibit this vulnerability. Regular security updates and system hardening procedures are essential to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in other system utilities that may present comparable privilege escalation risks.