CVE-2002-0355 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
netstat in SGI IRIX before 6.5.12 allows local users to determine the existence of files on the system, even if the users do not have the appropriate permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0355 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the netstat utility of SGI IRIX operating systems prior to version 6.5.12. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the network statistics reporting functionality that allows local attackers to infer the presence or absence of files on the system through network-related information gathering. The flaw exists at the kernel level where netstat processes attempt to access file system metadata without adequate permission checks, creating an indirect information leakage channel that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the netstat command processes network connections and attempts to resolve socket information, particularly when dealing with file descriptor references. Local users can exploit this by crafting specific network traffic patterns or by analyzing the output of netstat commands that reveal file system references in network connection data structures. The underlying mechanism involves the system's handling of file descriptors within network socket contexts, where the kernel fails to properly validate access permissions before exposing file system information to network statistics output. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checking as classified under CWE-284, where improper access control allows unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used in subsequent exploitation attempts. Attackers can determine whether specific files exist on the system without direct access, enabling them to map the file system structure and identify potentially sensitive or valuable targets. This information disclosure capability can be particularly dangerous in environments where the presence of certain files indicates the installation of specific software, databases, or configuration files. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized information disclosure through indirect means, potentially enabling attackers to bypass traditional access control mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to IRIX version 6.5.12 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the improper access control in netstat functionality. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual netstat usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting local access to the netstat command where possible, implementing proper file system permissions, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and credential access, specifically leveraging system information discovery to gather intelligence about the target environment. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign system utilities can become attack vectors when proper access control mechanisms are not implemented, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security testing across all system components regardless of their apparent functionality.