CVE-2000-1127 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
registrar in the HP resource monitor service allows local users to read and modify arbitrary files by renaming the original registrar.log log file and creating a symbolic link to the target file, to which registrar appends log information and sets the permissions to be world readable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1127 resides within the HP resource monitor service's registrar component, presenting a significant security risk through improper file handling mechanisms. This flaw specifically affects systems running HP's resource monitoring service where the registrar module manages log file operations. The vulnerability stems from the service's failure to properly validate file operations when handling log files, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to manipulate system files through symbolic link manipulation techniques. The registrar.log file serves as the primary logging mechanism for the service, and its improper handling creates a pathway for privilege escalation and data compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a sophisticated file system attack pattern that leverages the service's logging behavior. When the registrar service attempts to write to the registrar.log file, it does not properly verify whether the target file is a symbolic link or if the operation would result in writing to an unintended location. Attackers can exploit this by first renaming the legitimate registrar.log file to a backup name, then creating a symbolic link with the original registrar.log name that points to a sensitive system file such as /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow. When the registrar service attempts to append log information to what it believes is the registrar.log file, it actually writes to the target file pointed to by the symbolic link. This process is particularly dangerous because the service typically sets permissions on the log file to be world-readable, thereby making the compromised sensitive files accessible to all users on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass comprehensive system compromise and data integrity violations. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to modify critical system files, potentially altering user account information, system configuration parameters, or security-related files. The world-readable permission setting on the modified log files creates a persistent backdoor where attackers can continuously access and modify sensitive data without requiring additional authentication. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure file handling that violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that can be exploited for both information disclosure and system modification purposes. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate file system permission management, creating an environment where legitimate system services inadvertently provide attackers with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1127 should focus on immediate operational fixes and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in system services. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the HP resource monitor service to implement proper file validation and symbolic link detection before file operations are performed. System administrators should also implement strict file permissions and ownership controls to prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation in service directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File and CWE-276: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, indicating that it involves both improper file handling and inadequate permission management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1548.001: Abuse of Functionality, as attackers can leverage the compromised service to execute commands and abuse system functionality. Organizations should also implement regular security audits of system services to identify and remediate similar file handling vulnerabilities, particularly in services that perform logging operations and file management tasks.