CVE-2001-0845 in OpenVMS
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in DECwindows Motif Server on OpenVMS VAX or Alpha 6.2 through 7.3, and SEVMS VAX or Alpha 6.2, allows local users to gain access to unauthorized resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0845 represents a significant security flaw within DECwindows Motif Server implementations running on OpenVMS operating systems across multiple versions. This issue affects both OpenVMS VAX and Alpha architectures, specifically targeting versions 6.2 through 7.3, as well as SEVMS VAX and Alpha 6.2 installations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the DECwindows Motif Server component, which is a graphical user interface server that provides Motif-based applications with windowing capabilities in the OpenVMS environment. This flaw enables local users to bypass normal authorization checks and access resources that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper privilege handling within the DECwindows Motif Server's resource management subsystem. When local users execute certain operations or access specific resources through the Motif Server interface, the system fails to properly validate user credentials or enforce access control policies. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation where unauthorized local users can manipulate system resources, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or executing unauthorized operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the server level within the operating system's graphical interface framework, making it difficult to detect and isolate from normal system operations. The flaw is categorized under CWE-284, which specifically addresses Improper Access Control issues, highlighting the fundamental breakdown in the system's authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as local users who exploit this flaw can potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire OpenVMS system. In environments where DECwindows Motif Server is actively used for graphical applications, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate data, manipulate system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where multiple users share the same physical or logical environment, as any local user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness. Given that OpenVMS systems often serve as critical infrastructure platforms in enterprise environments, this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruption and potential data breaches. The attack surface is particularly broad since the DECwindows Motif Server is commonly deployed in business-critical applications, making the exploitation of this vulnerability a serious concern for system administrators and security personnel.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0845 should focus on implementing proper access control measures and system hardening techniques within the OpenVMS environment. System administrators should ensure that all affected DECwindows Motif Server installations are updated with the latest security patches provided by DEC or Hewlett-Packard, as these updates typically include enhanced access control mechanisms and privilege validation routines. Network segmentation and proper user account management practices should be enforced to limit local user privileges and reduce the potential impact of exploitation. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their required functions. Additionally, regular security audits and monitoring of system access logs should be conducted to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual patterns of access to DECwindows Motif Server resources, as this can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicates that this issue should be prioritized in security assessments and remediation planning to prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges within the OpenVMS environment.