CVE-2002-2363 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
VJE.VJE-RUN in HP-UX 11.00 adds bin to /etc/PATH, which could allow local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2363 pertains to a privilege escalation flaw in HP-UX 11.00 systems where the VJE.VJE-RUN component incorrectly configures the system PATH environment variable by prepending the /bin directory. This seemingly minor configuration issue creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of environment variables during system initialization processes, specifically targeting the PATH variable that controls command resolution in Unix-like operating systems.
This flaw represents a classic path traversal and privilege escalation vulnerability that aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure handling of system paths where applications or system components improperly manipulate the PATH environment variable. The issue occurs because the VJE.VJE-RUN component modifies the PATH by inserting /bin at the beginning, which means that when the system resolves commands, it will first check the /bin directory before other directories in the PATH. If an attacker can place a malicious binary with the same name as a commonly used system command in a directory that appears earlier in the PATH, the system will execute the attacker's binary instead of the legitimate one.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this by creating malicious executables in directories that will be searched before the standard system directories, effectively bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through the exploitation of system configuration flaws, and T1548.003, which addresses abuse of system privileges through environment variable manipulation.
The security implications extend beyond simple command substitution as this vulnerability enables attackers to circumvent various security controls that rely on the integrity of the PATH variable. When the system executes commands, it follows a predictable search order based on the PATH, and by manipulating this order, attackers can achieve unauthorized privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access can be gained through various means such as shared accounts or compromised user credentials. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including verifying that the PATH variable is properly configured, ensuring that system directories are not unnecessarily prepended to the PATH, and conducting comprehensive audits of system components that modify environment variables. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices for PATH manipulation and regular security assessments of system initialization processes can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future system configurations.