CVE-2003-1082 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 4705891, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-1068.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1082 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the utmp_update function of Solaris operating systems version 2.6 through 9. This issue stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the system's user accounting database update mechanism. The utmp_update function is responsible for maintaining the utmp file which records user login and logout activities, making it a critical component for system security and user tracking. The buffer overflow occurs when the system processes user input without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the process heap.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory. The specific nature of this flaw enables local privilege escalation because the utmp_update function executes with elevated privileges necessary for system accounting operations. When a local user crafts malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, the overflow can overwrite critical memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows privilege escalation from a regular user account to the root administrative level, effectively granting complete system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects all Solaris versions from 2.6 through 9, representing a significant attack surface across multiple generations of the operating system. System administrators face the challenge of identifying and patching this vulnerability across legacy systems where immediate updates may not be feasible due to compatibility concerns or business continuity requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1082 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Sun Microsystems as the primary remediation approach. Organizations should implement comprehensive system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous utmp file modifications or unusual login patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting user access to system accounting functions and implementing proper input sanitization for all user interactions with system accounting mechanisms. Security hardening measures including disabling unnecessary user accounting features, implementing proper access controls, and regular system auditing can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify buffer overflow patterns and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, as this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in system-level components, as even minor flaws in essential system functions can lead to complete system compromise.