CVE-2002-2263 in Visualize Conference Ftp
Summary
by MITRE
The installation program for HP-UX Visualize Conference B.11.00.11 running on HP-UX 11.00 and 11.11 installs /etc/dt and its subdirecties with insecure permissions, which allows local users to read or write arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2263 affects the HP-UX Visualize Conference installation program version B.11.00.11 running on HP-UX operating systems version 11.00 and 11.11. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation and information disclosure vulnerability that stems from improper file system permissions during the software installation process. The vulnerability specifically impacts the /etc/dt directory structure and its subdirectories, which are critical components of the X Window System's configuration and functionality on HP-UX systems. This installation flaw creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure permission settings applied during the installation of the Visualize Conference software package. When the installation program creates or modifies the /etc/dt directory structure, it fails to properly set restrictive permissions on the directories and files within this critical system area. This insecure default configuration allows local users to manipulate files that should normally be restricted to privileged system processes or administrators. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732 as an Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical System Resources, which directly enables unauthorized access to system configuration files that could contain sensitive information or be used to modify system behavior. The flaw essentially provides local attackers with the ability to read or write arbitrary files within the installed directory structure, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and potential system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2263 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system integrity compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can access or modify files within the /etc/dt directory, which contains critical X Window System configuration files that control display management and user interface behavior. This access could enable attackers to modify system-wide display settings, inject malicious code into the desktop environment, or gain elevated privileges through manipulation of system configuration files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local users might not have administrative privileges but could leverage this weakness to escalate their access level. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through exploitation of insecure permissions, and T1005 which covers data from local system storage.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission correction and long-term system hardening measures. System administrators should immediately verify and correct the permissions on the /etc/dt directory structure, ensuring that all directories and files are properly secured with restrictive permissions that limit access to authorized system processes and administrators only. The recommended approach involves setting appropriate ownership and permission levels for the /etc/dt directory tree, typically using chmod 755 or more restrictive settings depending on the specific requirements of the system configuration. Additionally, system administrators should implement regular security audits to identify and remediate similar permission issues across the entire system. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation during software installation processes and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of system configuration files and directory structures. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized changes to critical system directories and alert security personnel to potential exploitation attempts.