CVE-2004-2753 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in SharedX in HP-UX B.11.00, B.11.11, and B.11.22 allows local users to access unspecified files or cause a denial of service via unknown vectors related to handling of "files in a potentially insecure manner."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2753 represents a critical security flaw within the SharedX component of Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX operating system versions B.11.00, B.11.11, and B.11.22. This unspecified vulnerability specifically targets the handling of files that may be in an insecure manner, creating potential pathways for local users to exploit system weaknesses. The SharedX service typically manages shared file systems and network file access, making it a critical component for system security and access control. The vulnerability arises from inadequate file handling procedures that fail to properly validate or secure file operations, potentially exposing sensitive data or disrupting system availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper file management practices that allow local attackers to manipulate file access controls or exploit weaknesses in how the system processes file operations. When files are handled in a potentially insecure manner, this creates opportunities for privilege escalation, unauthorized data access, or system disruption. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors means that the vulnerability could manifest through various methods including but not limited to symbolic link manipulation, file permission bypasses, or race condition exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects local users who already have system access, potentially allowing them to escalate their privileges or access restricted resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2753 extends beyond simple data exposure to include potential system instability and denial of service conditions. Local users who exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored within the shared file environment. Additionally, the insecure file handling could lead to system crashes, process termination, or other forms of service disruption that would affect legitimate system operations. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where HP-UX systems are deployed for critical business operations, as it could compromise data integrity and availability. The potential for privilege escalation makes this vulnerability especially dangerous in multi-user environments where different levels of access are expected.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from HP, reviewing file permissions and access controls within SharedX configurations, and monitoring system logs for suspicious file access patterns. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of shared file systems to identify potential insecure file handling practices and implement proper access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper handling of file paths, and may also relate to CWE-276, concerning incorrect file permissions, as these issues commonly manifest in insecure file handling scenarios. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as local users can exploit the insecure file handling to gain elevated system privileges or access restricted resources. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability across their infrastructure.