CVE-2002-2323 in Solaris PC Netlink
Summary
by MITRE
Sun PC NetLink 1.0 through 1.2 does not properly set the access control list (ACL) for files and directories that use symbolic links and have been restored from backup, which could allow local or remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2323 affects Sun PC NetLink versions 1.0 through 1.2, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of networked file systems. This issue stems from improper handling of access control lists when symbolic links are involved in backup restoration processes, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by both local and remote adversaries. The vulnerability specifically manifests when files and directories that utilize symbolic links are restored from backup operations, indicating a fundamental flaw in how the system manages file permissions during recovery scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate implementation of access control list management within the Sun PC NetLink software. When symbolic links are processed during backup restoration, the system fails to properly propagate or establish the correct ACL settings that should govern access permissions. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by exploiting the inconsistent permission states between the original files and their symbolic link counterparts. The flaw essentially creates a scenario where restored files maintain the permissions of their backup state rather than inheriting the proper access controls that should be enforced by the system's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the file system's access control mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories that should otherwise be restricted, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and system compromise. The vulnerability affects both local and remote attack vectors, meaning that unauthorized users could exploit the flaw from any location within the network, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where networked file systems are extensively used. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to access resources they should not be authorized to reach.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear path for attackers to bypass access controls, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for bypassing security restrictions and T1548 for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Sun PC NetLink, implementing additional access control monitoring, and conducting thorough audits of file permissions and symbolic link configurations. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability creates persistent access weaknesses that can be leveraged over extended periods.