CVE-2004-1713 in Process Resource Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in HP Process Resource Manager (PRM) C.02.01[.01] and earlier, as used by HP-UX Workload Manager (WLM), allows local users to corrupt data files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1713 represents a critical data integrity issue within HP Process Resource Manager version C.02.01 and earlier installations that are part of the HP-UX Workload Manager ecosystem. This flaw exists within the core resource management framework that governs process allocation and system resource handling on HP-UX operating systems. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where HP-UX Workload Manager is deployed to manage and optimize system resources across multiple processes and applications. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate or corrupt data files that are managed by the PRM component, potentially leading to system instability, data loss, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file access controls within the PRM subsystem. Local users with access to the system can leverage this flaw to modify or corrupt critical data files that are normally protected from unauthorized alterations. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where standard user access can be leveraged to compromise system data integrity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where resource management policies are enforced, allowing attackers to manipulate the very mechanisms that control process execution and resource allocation. The flaw likely involves improper handling of file paths, insufficient permissions checks, or inadequate validation of data being written to system files managed by the PRM.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption as it can severely compromise the reliability and integrity of system resource management operations. When local users can corrupt data files used by the PRM, they may be able to manipulate process scheduling, resource allocation policies, or performance monitoring data that directly affects system stability. This could lead to denial of service conditions where critical processes fail due to corrupted resource management data, or more subtle issues where system performance degradation occurs as the PRM attempts to manage resources based on corrupted policy information. The vulnerability also poses a risk to audit and compliance requirements since corrupted data files may contain critical information needed for system monitoring and security auditing purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and access control enhancements. HP released patches and updates to address this specific flaw in later versions of the Process Resource Manager component, making it essential for system administrators to apply these updates promptly. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of local users who might exploit this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of system access patterns can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of HP-UX Workload Manager and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, representing weaknesses in path traversal and file path manipulation controls. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and data manipulation within the operating system environment, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access through corrupted system files.