CVE-2001-1479 in Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
smcboot in Sun SMC (Sun Management Center) 2.0 in Solaris 8 allows local users to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/smc$SMC_PORT.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1479 resides within the Sun Management Center (SMC) 2.0 component known as smcboot in the Solaris 8 operating system. This flaw represents a classic symlink attack vector that exploits insecure temporary file handling practices within the management center's boot process. The vulnerability specifically targets the /tmp/smc$SMC_PORT temporary file location which serves as a critical staging point during the SMC initialization sequence. The insecure implementation allows local attackers to manipulate the symbolic link structure before the legitimate file operations occur, creating a window of opportunity for unauthorized file deletion.
The technical exploitation mechanism leverages the predictable naming convention of temporary files within the /tmp directory, where the SMC_PORT variable is incorporated into the filename. This predictable pattern enables attackers to establish malicious symbolic links that point to sensitive system files or directories. When the smcboot process executes and attempts to access the temporary file, it follows the symbolic link and performs destructive operations on the target files rather than the intended temporary file. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure temporary file handling as defined by CWE-377, specifically CWE-378 which addresses the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions and predictable names.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged to compromise the integrity of the entire Solaris 8 system. Local users who can execute the smcboot process gain the ability to manipulate critical system files through the symbolic link attack, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the security design of the SMC management interface, where proper file access controls and temporary file handling procedures were not adequately implemented. This weakness allows an attacker to bypass normal file system permissions and execute destructive operations on files that would normally be protected from unauthorized modification.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1068 privilege escalation techniques and T1070 credential access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK tactic of privilege escalation through insecure file permissions and predictable temporary file names. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the restriction of symbolic link creation in the /tmp directory, proper file permissions enforcement, and the implementation of more secure temporary file handling mechanisms. The recommended remediation involves either patching the SMC software to address the insecure temporary file handling or implementing system-level controls that prevent unauthorized symbolic link creation in temporary directories. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of temporary file usage patterns and ensure that all applications properly validate file operations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other components of the system infrastructure.