CVE-2002-1590 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
The Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) packages (1) SUNWwbdoc, (2) SUNWwbcou, (3) SUNWwbdev and (4) SUNWmgapp packages, when installed using Solaris 8 Update 1/01 or later, install files with world or group write permissions, which allows local users to gain root privileges or cause a denial of service.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1590 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Solaris 8 operating system's Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) packages. This issue affects four specific packages including SUNWwbdoc, SUNWwbcou, SUNWwbdev, and SUNWmgapp which are part of the Solaris Management Framework. The vulnerability manifests when these packages are installed using Solaris 8 Update 1/01 or later versions, creating a dangerous configuration where certain files are installed with overly permissive access controls. The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper permission settings during package installation, specifically granting world or group write permissions to critical system files. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-732, which categorizes improper permissions for a critical resource, and represents a classic case of insecure default permissions that can be exploited by local attackers. The security implications are severe as these permissions allow local users to modify or replace critical system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local privilege escalation techniques where an unprivileged user can leverage the world-write permissions to modify system binaries or configuration files. When files are installed with world write permissions, attackers can replace or modify these files to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity or remote access - the vulnerability can be exploited entirely from within the local system environment. This type of attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1548.001, which focuses on abuse of legitimate privileges through local system access. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor mechanism within the legitimate system installation process, allowing malicious users to gain root access through file system manipulation rather than through more complex exploitation methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1590 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially cause complete system compromise and denial of service conditions. When local users can modify system files with world-write permissions, they can not only escalate privileges but also corrupt system functionality, leading to system instability or complete failure. The vulnerability affects the core management infrastructure of Solaris systems, potentially compromising the integrity of system monitoring and management capabilities. Organizations running affected Solaris 8 systems are particularly vulnerable as this issue affects the fundamental system packages that provide enterprise management functionality. The flaw represents a significant risk to system availability and integrity, as attackers can cause either intentional damage through malicious file replacement or accidental system instability through improper file modifications. This vulnerability also undermines the security model of the operating system by allowing local users to subvert the privilege separation mechanisms that are fundamental to secure system operation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1590 should focus on immediate remediation through proper package management and permission correction. System administrators should immediately verify and correct file permissions on the affected WBEM packages, ensuring that critical system files are not installed with world or group write permissions. The recommended approach involves reinstalling the affected packages with proper permission settings, typically through Solaris package management tools that enforce secure default permissions. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and correct similar permission issues across their system infrastructure. The mitigation process should include comprehensive file permission checks using tools like find or ls -l to identify files with excessive permissions and ensure that only authorized users have write access to critical system components. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unauthorized permission changes to system files, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Proper patch management and system hardening procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future, ensuring that package installations follow security best practices and maintain appropriate access controls throughout the system lifecycle.