CVE-2002-0796 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the logging component of snmpdx for Solaris 5.6 through 8 allows remote attackers to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0796 represents a critical format string flaw within the logging functionality of snmpdx, a component of Solaris operating systems ranging from version 5.6 through 8. This issue resides in the network management and monitoring infrastructure of Solaris, specifically affecting systems that utilize the Simple Network Management Protocol data exchange functionality. The snmpdx component serves as a crucial bridge for SNMP data collection and processing, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied input without proper sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation that can escalate privileges to the highest system level.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-134, which categorizes format string vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that improperly handles format strings, particularly when user input is directly incorporated into format string arguments without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability occurs within the logging subsystem where the application fails to properly escape or validate input parameters before passing them to printf-style functions. This allows remote attackers to craft specially formatted input that manipulates the format string interpretation, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. The specific implementation flaw enables attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can overwrite critical memory locations, including return addresses and system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to achieve complete system compromise with root privileges. The exploitation process typically involves sending crafted SNMP packets that contain malicious format string arguments to the vulnerable snmpdx service. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized system access, data theft, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected Solaris versions face significant risk, particularly in environments where SNMP services are exposed to untrusted networks or where the snmpdx component is actively processing external data. The vulnerability affects not only individual system security but also broader network security posture, as compromised systems can serve as launch points for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0796 require immediate implementation of several protective measures. System administrators should apply the official Oracle Solaris patches that address this specific vulnerability, as these updates contain the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize input before format string processing. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict SNMP traffic to trusted sources only, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the execution privileges of the snmpdx service and disabling unnecessary SNMP features. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect anomalous SNMP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential format string vulnerabilities within the system, while also ensuring that the patch management process remains robust and timely to address similar issues in the future.