CVE-2004-0481 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
The logging feature in kcms_configure in the KCMS package on Solaris 8 and 9, and possibly other versions, allows local users to corrupt arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the KCS_ClogFile file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0481 resides within the KCMS package's kcms_configure utility on Solaris 8 and 9 operating systems, representing a critical security flaw in the system's logging mechanism. This issue stems from improper handling of file operations during the configuration process, specifically affecting the KCS_ClogFile parameter that controls log file creation and management. The vulnerability manifests when local users exploit a race condition or insecure file handling pattern that allows them to manipulate the logging process through symbolic link manipulation.
The technical flaw exploits a classic symlink attack vector where an attacker creates a symbolic link pointing to a target file they wish to corrupt, then triggers the kcms_configure utility to write log data to this symlinked location. When the utility processes the logging operation, it follows the symbolic link and writes data to the actual target file rather than the intended log file, effectively corrupting system files or sensitive data. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-59, which describes improper link resolution without limit checks, and CWE-22, which covers path traversal attacks. The flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability since it allows local users to potentially corrupt files they would normally not have write access to, particularly system-critical files that may contain configuration data or sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file corruption, as it can compromise system integrity and potentially provide attackers with opportunities for further exploitation. When local users can manipulate the logging mechanism, they may overwrite critical system files, modify configuration parameters, or inject malicious content into log files that could be parsed by other system components. This creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged to maintain access or escalate privileges within the Solaris environment. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate file corruption but also the trust model of the logging system, which is fundamental to system security monitoring and forensic analysis.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0481 should focus on immediate patching of affected Solaris versions, implementing proper file access controls, and establishing secure logging practices. Organizations should ensure that the kcms_configure utility is run with minimal privileges and that log file paths are validated before use. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file existence checks, using atomic file operations, and ensuring that symbolic link resolution is properly constrained. Additionally, system administrators should monitor log file integrity and implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001, which covers abuse of sudoers files, and T1059.001, covering command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious code through compromised logging mechanisms.