CVE-2002-0577 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in passwd for HP-UX 11.00 and 11.11 allows local users to corrupt the password file and cause a denial of service.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0577 represents a critical weakness in the password management utilities of HP-UX operating systems version 11.00 and 11.11. This flaw specifically affects the passwd command implementation which is fundamental to user account management within the Unix-based system environment. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper handling of password file modifications, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's authentication mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the passwd utility's failure to properly validate user input when processing password changes or account modifications. When local users execute the passwd command with malformed or specially crafted input parameters, the system's password file handling routines become susceptible to corruption. This occurs because the underlying implementation lacks proper bounds checking and input sanitization mechanisms that would normally prevent malicious data from being written to critical system files. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject malformed data into the password database structure, potentially causing the file to become corrupted or inaccessible.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0577 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it can result in complete denial of service conditions for the affected system. When the password file becomes corrupted, legitimate users lose the ability to authenticate or modify their accounts, effectively rendering the system's authentication services unusable. System administrators face significant operational challenges as they must either restore from backups or manually repair the corrupted password database, potentially leading to extended downtime. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by any local user with access to the system, making it an attractive target for both malicious insiders and attackers who have gained initial access through other means.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions in memory management, and reflects patterns commonly found in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. The local privilege escalation aspect is evident as attackers can manipulate system files to gain unauthorized access to account management functions. Organizations implementing HP-UX systems in production environments must consider this vulnerability as part of their overall security posture, particularly in scenarios where local access controls are not properly enforced. The remediation process involves applying vendor patches, implementing proper input validation procedures, and establishing robust monitoring for unauthorized password file modifications. Additionally, system administrators should regularly audit account management processes and maintain current backups to ensure rapid recovery from such incidents.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices in system utilities and the critical need for input validation in authentication mechanisms. Modern security frameworks emphasize the necessity of defensive programming techniques to prevent exactly these types of flaws from manifesting in production systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures that include vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their operating system implementations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and following security best practices for Unix-based systems, as the lack of proper input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to compromise system integrity and availability.