CVE-2003-0221 in Tru64
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) dupatch and (2) setld utilities in HP Tru64 UNIX 5.1B PK1 and earlier allows local users to overwrite files and possibly gain root privileges via a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0221 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting HP Tru64 UNIX 5.1B PK1 and earlier versions. This issue manifests in two distinct utility programs: dupatch and setld, both of which exhibit insecure temporary file handling behaviors that can be exploited by local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The flaw stems from the utilities' failure to properly validate file paths when creating or modifying files, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the system through symbolic link attacks that ultimately lead to root access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of symbolic links within the file system during the execution of these utilities. When dupatch and setld process their operations, they create temporary files or directories without adequate validation of the symbolic link integrity. Attackers can exploit this by pre-creating symbolic links in locations where the utilities expect to find certain files, thereby causing the utilities to write data to attacker-controlled locations. This insecure file creation pattern directly aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file handling practices, and CWE-378, which covers the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides local users with a pathway to escalate their privileges to the root level of the system. Attackers who initially have limited user access can leverage this flaw to gain complete administrative control, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, and persistent backdoor establishment. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through various means such as legitimate user accounts or compromised credentials. The attack vector requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows a systematic approach where attackers first identify the target system running affected HP Tru64 UNIX versions, then create symbolic links in strategic locations where the vulnerable utilities will encounter them during execution. The attack leverages the principle of least privilege violation, as the utilities are designed to run with elevated privileges but inadvertently expose themselves to manipulation through improper file handling. Organizations should consider implementing mitigations such as immediate patching of affected systems, restriction of access to these vulnerable utilities, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any other potentially vulnerable applications that might exhibit similar insecure file handling behaviors, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits.
Mitigation strategies should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-provided patches that address the insecure file creation behaviors in both dupatch and setld utilities. System administrators should also implement strict file system permissions and access controls, ensuring that sensitive system directories are protected from unauthorized symbolic link creation. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system utilities, as the underlying flaw represents a broader class of issues that can affect any application failing to properly validate file system operations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege management in system utilities, particularly those designed to operate with elevated permissions.