CVE-2003-1588 in Cluster
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Cluster 2.2, when HA-Oracle or HA-Sybase DBMS services are used, stores database credentials in cleartext in a cluster configuration file, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1588 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Cluster 2.2 systems that operate with High Availability Oracle or High Availability Sybase database management services. This issue stems from improper credential handling within the cluster configuration framework, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises the confidentiality of sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where database credentials are stored in plain text format within cluster configuration files, making them accessible to any local user with read permissions on these critical system resources.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the storage mechanism within Sun Cluster 2.2's configuration management system, where database authentication credentials are persisted in cleartext format rather than being properly encrypted or obfuscated. This design decision creates a persistent security weakness that exists throughout the system's operational lifecycle. The configuration files containing these credentials are typically located within system directories that may be accessible to local users, particularly those with minimal privileges or compromised accounts. The cleartext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain local access to the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to directly extract sensitive database credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques or advanced attack vectors. The implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as these database credentials can provide attackers with direct access to enterprise databases containing critical business information, financial records, customer data, and other sensitive assets. The attack scenario is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise or resources to execute successfully, making it attractive to threat actors across different skill levels. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can perform unauthorized database operations, data exfiltration, or even establish persistence within the enterprise environment through database-based attack vectors.
The vulnerability aligns with multiple CWE categories including CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials), demonstrating fundamental flaws in data protection mechanisms within the Sun Cluster environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1552.001 (Credentials in Files) and T1003.001 (OS Credential Dumping), as it provides attackers with direct access to stored credentials without requiring complex credential recovery processes. Organizations implementing Sun Cluster 2.2 with HA-Oracle or HA-Sybase services face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where local system access is not strictly controlled or where privilege separation is inadequate.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper credential encryption mechanisms and access control enforcement. System administrators should implement encryption for all credential storage within cluster configuration files, ensuring that sensitive data is protected even if file-level access controls are compromised. Regular security audits should verify that no cleartext credentials exist in configuration files and that appropriate file permissions are enforced. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular privilege reviews can limit the impact of credential exposure. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized credential management solutions that separate credential storage from system configuration files, thereby reducing the attack surface and providing better protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that database services continue to function properly after implementing encryption measures while maintaining the required high availability characteristics of the Sun Cluster environment.