CVE-2004-2693 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
hp-ux b.11.00 and b.11.11 with b6848ab gtk+ support libraries installed uses insecure directory permissions which allows local users to gain privileges via files in /opt/gnome/src/glib/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2693 affects Hewlett Packard Unix operating system versions b.11.00 and b.11.11 when equipped with the b6848ab gtk+ support libraries. This security flaw stems from insecure directory permissions that create exploitable conditions for local users seeking privilege escalation. The specific directory in question is /opt/gnome/src/glib/ which contains critical system components that should not be writable by unprivileged users. The insecure permissions allow local attackers to manipulate files within this directory structure, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access control mechanisms implemented in the hp-ux system's file permission model. When the gtk+ support libraries are installed with the b6848ab package, they establish directory permissions that are overly permissive for the /opt/gnome/src/glib/ path. This directory typically contains source code files and build artifacts that should remain protected from modification by non-privileged users. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate access control enforcement, which aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running affected hp-ux versions. Local users who can access the system with standard user privileges can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges to root level access. The attack vector is relatively straightforward as it requires only local system access and knowledge of the vulnerable directory structure. Once exploited, the attacker gains full system control, potentially enabling them to modify system binaries, create backdoors, or extract sensitive information from the system. This type of privilege escalation vulnerability directly impacts the system's integrity and confidentiality, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques.
The security implications extend beyond immediate privilege escalation as this vulnerability demonstrates poor system hardening practices and inadequate security configuration management. Systems administrators should immediately address this issue by reviewing and correcting the directory permissions for /opt/gnome/src/glib/ and related directories. The recommended mitigation involves setting appropriate permissions that prevent unauthorized modification while maintaining necessary functionality for legitimate system operations. This includes implementing proper access control lists and ensuring that only authorized system administrators can modify critical system directories. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar permission issues across the system, as this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure default configurations and proper privilege management practices in enterprise environments.