CVE-2001-1181 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Dynamically Loadable Kernel Module (dlkm) static kernel symbol table in HP-UX 11.11 is not properly configured, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1181 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the HP-UX 11.11 operating system's kernel module loading mechanism. This issue specifically targets the dynamically loadable kernel module framework where the static kernel symbol table configuration fails to properly restrict access to kernel-level resources. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the HP-UX operating system's security model, creating an opportunity for local attackers to exploit improper privilege controls that should normally prevent unauthorized access to kernel symbols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate kernel symbol table management within the dlkm subsystem. When kernel modules are loaded dynamically, the system should enforce strict access controls over kernel symbols to prevent unauthorized code execution or privilege escalation. However, in HP-UX 11.11, the static kernel symbol table configuration does not properly enforce these restrictions, allowing local users to access kernel symbols that should remain protected. This misconfiguration enables attackers to potentially leverage these exposed symbols to execute privileged operations or escalate their current user privileges to root level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with a pathway to privilege escalation without requiring network access or external exploitation vectors. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious kernel modules or by directly accessing the exposed kernel symbols through the dlkm interface. The vulnerability affects systems running HP-UX 11.11 where the dlkm framework is utilized, potentially compromising the entire system's security posture. Given that this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability, it can be exploited by any user with access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-269: "Improper Privilege Management" and represents a classic case of insufficient access control within kernel space. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547.001: "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" when considering how such vulnerabilities can be leveraged to establish persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the appropriate HP-UX security patches, disabling unnecessary kernel module loading capabilities, and monitoring for unauthorized kernel module installations. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module signing requirements and restricting local user access to kernel-level interfaces.
The root cause analysis reveals that this vulnerability reflects poor kernel security design principles where the static symbol table configuration fails to properly enforce privilege boundaries. This type of flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel privilege management and symbol table access controls in operating system security. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with kernel-level programming and the need for rigorous security testing of core operating system components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their kernel-level interfaces and ensure that all symbol tables and access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation attempts.