CVE-2002-2203 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in the System Serial Console terminal in Solaris 2.5.1, 2.6, and 7 allows local users to monitor keystrokes and possibly steal sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2203 represents a critical security flaw within the System Serial Console terminal component of Solaris operating systems versions 2.5.1, 2.6, and 7. This issue specifically affects the serial console functionality that provides system administrators with remote access capabilities to servers and workstations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient security controls within the serial console implementation, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's terminal handling mechanisms.
This security weakness manifests as a failure in proper keystroke handling and monitoring within the serial console environment. The flaw allows local users to potentially intercept and record keystrokes that are processed through the system serial console interface. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level or system service layer where console input is managed, creating a persistent monitoring capability that extends beyond normal security boundaries. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to capture sensitive information including passwords, commands, and other confidential data entered through the serial console interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it compromises the fundamental security assumptions of system administration interfaces. Local users who can access the system through legitimate means can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data that would normally be protected by proper console security measures. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor monitoring capability that undermines the integrity of the system's authentication and authorization mechanisms. This poses particular risk in enterprise environments where system administrators rely on serial console access for remote system management and maintenance operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient logging and monitoring controls. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the compromised console interface could be used to capture command inputs and execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and access control implementation within system services that handle sensitive terminal communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Solaris versions through official Oracle security updates. System administrators should implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized console access attempts and keystroke capture activities. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit local user privileges and prevent unauthorized access to system console interfaces. Organizations should also establish comprehensive logging procedures for all console activities and implement regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date system patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for critical system components that handle sensitive information access.