CVE-2003-0027 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Sun Kodak Color Management System (KCMS) library service daemon (kcms_server) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the KCS_OPEN_PROFILE procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0027 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Sun Kodak Color Management System (KCMS) library service daemon known as kcms_server. This security weakness resides in the handling of the KCS_OPEN_PROFILE procedure which processes color profile requests within the color management framework. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize file paths submitted through the KCS_OPEN_PROFILE interface. When the kcms_server daemon processes these requests, it does not properly validate or sanitize the profile path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the file system access through crafted input sequences that can traverse directory structures beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path manipulation within the KCMS library service daemon. The kcms_server process accepts profile identifiers that are directly translated into file system operations without proper sanitization of special characters or path traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\\". This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the daemon receives a profile request that includes malicious path components, allowing the service to open and read arbitrary files from the system. The attack vector requires network connectivity to the kcms_server daemon and can be executed without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the service is exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker could leverage this weakness to access sensitive configuration files, system credentials, or other privileged information stored within the file system. The vulnerability affects systems running Sun's Kodak Color Management System, particularly those where the kcms_server daemon is actively running and accessible over the network. This includes various Unix-based systems and workstations that utilize the color management capabilities provided by the KCMS library. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where color management services are used for print management, digital imaging workflows, or other professional applications that may contain sensitive data or configuration parameters.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and network segmentation to limit exposure of the kcms_server daemon. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all file path parameters received through the KCS_OPEN_PROFILE procedure, ensuring that special characters and traversal sequences are properly rejected or encoded. Network administrators should consider disabling the kcms_server service if it is not actively required, or restrict access through firewall rules to only trusted network segments. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that the kcms_server daemon runs with minimal required permissions and access to the file system. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other color management or file processing services that may be susceptible to the same class of path traversal attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in service daemons and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through file system enumeration, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls around file system access mechanisms.