CVE-2001-0403 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
/opt/JSparm/bin/perfmon program in Solaris allows local users to create arbitrary files as root via the Logging File option in the GUI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0403 resides within the Solaris operating system's performance monitoring utility, specifically in the /opt/JSparm/bin/perfmon program. This flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local attackers to gain root-level access through manipulation of the application's logging functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper privilege handling within the graphical user interface component of the performance monitoring tool. When users interact with the GUI interface and configure the Logging File option, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the specified file paths, creating an opportunity for malicious file creation with elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-73, which describes "External Control of File Name or Path" - a weakness where user-supplied data directly influences file system operations without proper validation. The flaw operates through a path traversal mechanism where the application accepts user input for logging file destinations without implementing proper access controls or privilege separation. When a local user specifies a logging file path through the GUI, the perfmon program executes with root privileges, allowing the attacker to create arbitrary files in system directories that would normally require root access to modify. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a local user can leverage a misconfigured application to gain unauthorized system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file creation capabilities, as it enables attackers to potentially establish persistent backdoors, modify system-critical files, or inject malicious code into the system. The vulnerability affects systems running Solaris versions that include the JSparm performance monitoring component, particularly those with the graphical interface enabled. Attackers can exploit this flaw to create files with root ownership and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker must already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation aspect makes this a critical vulnerability that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized root access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate privilege separation and input validation improvements. System administrators should ensure that the perfmon application runs with minimal required privileges and that all user-supplied paths are properly validated and sanitized before file system operations are performed. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access controls that prevent the creation of arbitrary files in system directories, establishing path validation mechanisms that reject potentially dangerous file paths, and ensuring that applications with elevated privileges perform thorough input validation before executing system operations. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary GUI components when they are not required, as the vulnerability specifically manifests through the graphical interface. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for privilege management and input validation, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving local persistence and credential access through application misconfigurations. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments of system components, as it represents an overlooked security gap in a system monitoring utility that should not have elevated privileges for file creation operations.