CVE-2003-1055 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the nss_ldap.so.1 library for Sun Solaris 8 and 9 may allow local users to gain root access via a long hostname in an LDAP lookup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1055 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nss_ldap.so.1 library component of Sun Solaris 8 and 9 operating systems. This library serves as a Name Service Switch module responsible for integrating LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) services into the system's name resolution mechanism. The flaw arises when the system processes LDAP lookups containing excessively long hostnames, creating a condition where user-supplied input exceeds the allocated buffer space. This specific implementation vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The nss_ldap.so.1 library operates with elevated privileges during LDAP operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by local users to achieve privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of hostname parameters within LDAP lookup operations. When a local attacker provides a hostname exceeding the buffer capacity allocated within the nss_ldap.so.1 library, the overflow can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and control data structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates within the system's core name resolution infrastructure, meaning that any application or service utilizing LDAP for name resolution could serve as an attack vector. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate buffer size management within the library's implementation, creating a persistent security weakness that affects multiple system components relying on LDAP name resolution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Local users who can execute programs capable of triggering LDAP lookups gain the ability to elevate their privileges to root level, effectively bypassing all local security controls and access restrictions. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to modify system files, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects systems running Solaris 8 and 9 versions where the nss_ldap.so.1 library is actively configured and utilized, potentially impacting enterprise environments with LDAP-based authentication and directory services. Organizations relying on LDAP integration for user management, authentication, or system configuration face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through various legitimate system processes that perform LDAP lookups, making detection and prevention challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1055 should prioritize immediate system updates and configuration hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the official Sun Microsystems security patches that address the buffer overflow in the nss_ldap.so.1 library, which typically include enhanced input validation and proper buffer size management. System administrators should also implement strict hostname length validation within LDAP configurations and consider disabling unnecessary LDAP integration where possible. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Monitoring for unusual LDAP lookup patterns or system calls that might indicate exploitation attempts should be implemented as part of defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for LDAP service accounts and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that LDAP integration is properly secured. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under initial access and execution phases, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. The vulnerability's classification as a CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow emphasizes the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in system libraries that handle user-provided data.