CVE-2003-1024 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in the ls-F builtin function in tcsh on Solaris 8 allows local users to create or delete files as other users, and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1024 resides within the tcsh shell implementation on Solaris 8 systems, specifically affecting the ls-F builtin function. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the fundamental security model of the operating system. The issue manifests through improper handling of file operations within the shell environment, creating an avenue for unauthorized privilege elevation and arbitrary file manipulation. The vulnerability affects systems where tcsh is installed and actively used, particularly those running Solaris 8 which was widely deployed in enterprise environments during that timeframe.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient access control validation within the ls-F builtin function implementation. When users execute commands through this function, the system fails to properly verify user permissions and ownership contexts, allowing local attackers to manipulate files that should be restricted to other user accounts. This occurs due to inadequate input sanitization and privilege checking mechanisms that should normally enforce proper access controls between user contexts. The vulnerability operates at the shell level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges initially. The flaw is categorized under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically manifesting as improper access control within shell builtin functions. This weakness enables attackers to perform file operations that should be restricted to specific user groups or administrative accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass full privilege escalation capabilities. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability can effectively impersonate other users and gain administrative access to system resources. This creates a significant risk for multi-user environments where different users require varying levels of system access. The ability to create or delete files as other users compromises data integrity and system security, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors or corrupt critical system files. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can manipulate user accounts, system configuration files, and potentially escalate to root privileges. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to system availability and data confidentiality, particularly in environments where multiple users share the same system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1024 should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. The primary remediation involves applying the appropriate Solaris security patches that address the tcsh shell vulnerability and correct the improper access control implementation. Organizations should also implement strict user access controls and monitor shell usage patterns for anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary shell builtin functions and implementing proper file permission controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and access control validation within shell environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses privilege escalation through local exploits. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other shell implementations and system components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.