CVE-2002-1844 in Windows Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows Media Player (WMP) 6.3, when installed on Solaris, installs executables with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to delete or modify the executables to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1844 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft Windows Media Player version 6.3 when deployed on Solaris operating systems. This issue stems from improper permission settings during the installation process, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the installation of executable files on Solaris platforms, where the installer fails to properly restrict write permissions on critical system components. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure software deployment practices and highlights the importance of proper access control mechanisms in system installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installation process of Windows Media Player 6.3 on Solaris systems where executable files are created with world-writable permissions. This configuration allows any local user to modify or delete the installed executables, effectively enabling privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can exploit this by replacing legitimate executables with malicious binaries, potentially gaining administrative privileges or system-level access. The vulnerability operates under the principle of least privilege violation, where system components are unnecessarily granted write access to users who should not possess such permissions. This flaw directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for system resources, and demonstrates how improper access control can lead to privilege escalation in operating system environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent security risk on systems where Windows Media Player is installed. Local users can leverage this weakness to modify system executables, potentially leading to complete system compromise or persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects system integrity and can be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where unauthorized users might gain elevated privileges through this method. Security professionals should note that this issue represents a classic example of insecure default permissions in software installations, which can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited as part of a broader attack chain, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistence or move laterally within a network environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission correction and system hardening measures. System administrators should verify and correct file permissions on installed Windows Media Player executables, ensuring that only authorized users or processes have write access to critical system components. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access control lists and removing unnecessary write permissions from system executables. Additionally, organizations should consider removing unnecessary software installations, particularly those with known permission issues, and implement regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other installed applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening and permission management practices.