CVE-2002-2425 in Solaris Answerbook2
Summary
by MITRE
Sun AnswerBook2 1.2 through 1.4.2 allows remote attackers to execute administrative scripts such as (1) AdminViewError and (2) AdminAddadmin via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2425 affects Sun AnswerBook2 versions 1.2 through 1.4.2, representing a critical security flaw in the web-based documentation system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the AnswerBook2 framework, which operates as a web-based help system for Sun Microsystems products. The affected system is designed to provide online documentation and support, but the flaw creates a pathway for unauthorized remote execution of administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the direct request mechanism that allows users to access various administrative scripts through HTTP requests, bypassing normal authentication and authorization procedures. This flaw is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to execute scripts with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of direct HTTP requests to specific administrative endpoints within the AnswerBook2 interface. When attackers send crafted requests to the system, they can directly invoke scripts such as AdminViewError and AdminAddadmin without proper authentication. These scripts are designed for administrative purposes and typically require elevated privileges to execute properly. The vulnerability occurs because the system fails to validate the origin of requests or verify that the requesting user possesses appropriate administrative permissions. This lack of proper access control validation creates a path for remote code execution, as the system processes these administrative requests without sufficient authorization checks. The flaw is classified under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or prior authentication, making it exploitable from any location with network access to the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2425 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential system compromise and data exposure. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute administrative commands that may allow them to modify system configurations, add new administrative users, or access sensitive information stored within the AnswerBook2 environment. The ability to execute AdminAddadmin script specifically enables attackers to create new administrative accounts, potentially providing persistent access to the system. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as the exploitation involves executing system commands through administrative scripts. The impact on system integrity and confidentiality is significant, as the vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with administrative control over the documentation server, potentially enabling further attacks on the broader network infrastructure. Organizations using vulnerable AnswerBook2 versions face risks of unauthorized data access, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2425 require immediate implementation of security patches and configuration hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to Sun AnswerBook2 versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as Sun released patches specifically targeting this flaw. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to AnswerBook2 interfaces, particularly disabling direct access to administrative script endpoints. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to these administrative functions to only trusted administrative networks. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the web application can prevent unauthorized script execution. Security administrators should conduct thorough audits of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems that may not have been properly authenticated or authorized. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary administrative scripts and ensuring that all web applications implement proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient access control that can be detected through network monitoring activities.