CVE-2001-0267 in MPE-iX
Summary
by MITRE
NM debug in HP MPE/iX 6.5 and earlier does not properly handle breakpoints, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0267 affects the Network Management debug functionality within HP MPE/iX operating system versions 6.5 and earlier. This issue resides in the debugging subsystem that handles breakpoint management, creating a potential privilege escalation vector for local attackers who have access to the system. The flaw specifically manifests when the debug component processes breakpoint requests, allowing unauthorized privilege elevation through improper handling of these debugging mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the NM debug subsystem. When breakpoint commands are processed, the system fails to properly validate the privilege levels of the requesting user or properly enforce access controls during breakpoint handling operations. This represents a classic privilege escalation flaw where legitimate debugging functionality becomes a weapon for unauthorized access. The vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically addressing improper privilege management within system components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to HP MPE/iX systems as it allows local users to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication or complex attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable attackers to gain administrative access to the entire system, including access to sensitive data, system configuration, and network management functions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have local access to the system, as any user could exploit this weakness to gain elevated privileges.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the use of system services or debugging tools. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, or conduct further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where debugging features are typically trusted and have elevated privileges by design, making the exploitation path more direct and effective.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from HP, restricting local access to the system, and implementing monitoring for unusual debugging activity or privilege escalation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary debugging features when they are not actively being used for development or maintenance purposes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege management in system debugging tools and underscores the need for comprehensive security reviews of system-level components that handle sensitive operations like breakpoint management. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security audits of system services can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the operating system.