CVE-2001-0078 in Cluster
Summary
by MITRE
in.mond in Sun Cluster 2.x allows local users to read arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the status file of a host running HA-NFS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0078 resides within the in.mond service component of Sun Cluster 2.x systems, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to access sensitive files through a carefully crafted symlink attack. This vulnerability specifically targets the status file management mechanism employed by the high availability Network File System (HA-NFS) service, which is integral to maintaining system availability and data integrity in clustered environments. The flaw manifests when the in.mond daemon processes status information for hosts running HA-NFS, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages symbolic link manipulation to bypass normal file access controls and read arbitrary files on the system. When the in.mond service operates, it creates or updates status files that are susceptible to symlink attacks, allowing local users to redirect file operations to sensitive locations such as configuration files, authentication data, or other restricted resources. This attack vector exploits the insecure temporary file creation pattern where the service does not properly validate the target of symbolic links before accessing them, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited to read files outside the intended scope. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which describes the improper handling of symbolic links, and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to privilege escalation in system services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose critical system information that could aid in further attacks or compromise the integrity of the entire clustered system. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive data such as system configuration files, user credentials, or other confidential information that may be stored in locations accessible through the symlink attack. The implications are particularly severe in high availability environments where the compromise of one node could potentially affect the entire cluster's security posture, making this vulnerability a significant concern for enterprise systems relying on Sun Cluster technology for mission-critical applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0078 should focus on immediate patch application from Sun Microsystems, as this vulnerability was addressed through service pack updates that properly validate symbolic link targets before file operations. System administrators should implement strict file permissions and access controls around the affected status files, ensuring that only authorized processes can create or modify symbolic links within the service directories. Additionally, monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious symlink creation patterns or unauthorized file access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers privilege escalation through service manipulation, and emphasizes the importance of proper file system security controls and service hardening in preventing such attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their clustered environments.