CVE-2004-1359 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in uucp for Sun Solaris 2.6, 7, 8, and 9 allow local users to execute arbitrary code as the uucp user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1359 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the uucp (Unix to Unix Copy Protocol) implementation on Sun Solaris operating systems versions 2.6 through 9. This flaw exists in the uucp daemon and related utilities that handle incoming connections and process data from remote systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper memory management when processing command line arguments and network data, creating conditions where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected uucp service typically runs with elevated privileges as the uucp user account, which provides a significant attack surface for local users who can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The buffer overflow conditions occur during the processing of various uucp commands and operations, particularly when handling malformed input from network connections or command line parameters. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the uucp user, potentially leading to privilege escalation and system compromise. The uucp service has historically been used for automated file transfers and remote job execution between Unix systems, making it a persistent target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios that can occur during input processing. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations running legacy Solaris systems where uucp services remain enabled and accessible. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios, as the uucp user typically has access to system resources that can be leveraged for further compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct local access, network-based attacks against exposed uucp services, or through compromised systems that have uucp functionality enabled. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1078, which covers 'Valid Accounts' as the attack leverages legitimate uucp user accounts. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that uucp services are often enabled by default on many Solaris installations, and the privilege escalation path provides attackers with a mechanism to gain deeper system access. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate systems running uucp services, disabling unnecessary uucp functionality, and applying appropriate system hardening measures to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in system-level utilities, as these components often run with elevated privileges and can provide direct access to system resources. Additionally, regular security assessments should include checks for enabled legacy services such as uucp that may present unpatched vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should focus on applying appropriate patches from Sun Microsystems, disabling uucp services where not required, and implementing monitoring to detect suspicious uucp-related activities. System administrators should also consider implementing access controls and audit logging for uucp operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with legacy system components and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices across all system services, particularly those with elevated privileges and persistent network access capabilities.