CVE-2003-1068 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in utmp_update for Solaris 2.6 through 9 allows local users to gain root privileges, as identified by Sun BugID 4659277, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-1082.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1068 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting the utmp_update function within Solaris operating systems version 2.6 through 9. This flaw resides in the system's user accounting and login tracking mechanisms, specifically within the utmp (user accounting) database update functionality that maintains records of system logins and logout events. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing user login information, creating a scenario where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the utmp_update function's execution stack.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the system processes login information through the utmp_update function, which is responsible for maintaining the utmp database entries for user sessions. When local users provide specially crafted input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical control data including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, as the vulnerable function typically runs with sufficient privileges to modify system user accounting information. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to escalate their privileges to root level without requiring authentication, making it a significant security weakness in the operating system's privilege management model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Once successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows local users to execute code with root privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects multiple Solaris versions, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments that had not yet patched their systems. Organizations running these older Solaris versions faced significant risk of unauthorized system access, as the exploit requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be executed without network connectivity. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) demonstrates its fundamental nature as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be leveraged for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system patching through official Sun Microsystems updates that address the specific buffer overflow in the utmp_update function. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant security patches that correct the bounds checking implementation and input validation within the affected system calls. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit local user access where possible, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous login patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and the potential consequences of running unsupported operating system versions in enterprise environments.