CVE-2005-0576 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Standard Type Services Framework (STSF) Font Server Daemon (stfontserverd) in Solaris 9 allows local users to modify or delete arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0576 resides within the Standard Type Services Framework Font Server Daemon component of Solaris 9 operating systems. This critical flaw affects the stfontserverd service which manages font resources and provides type services to applications. The vulnerability manifests as a privilege escalation issue that enables local attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources beyond their normal operational boundaries. The flaw exists in the daemon's handling of file operations and access controls, creating a path for malicious users to manipulate or remove arbitrary files from the system. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the system's file access control mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the integrity of font-related services and underlying system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient privilege checks within the stfontserverd daemon. When processing font-related requests or file operations, the service fails to properly validate user permissions or sanitize input parameters before executing file system operations. This weakness creates a scenario where local users can craft specific requests that bypass normal access controls and execute destructive operations on system files. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the daemon typically runs with elevated privileges, making the impact significantly more severe than typical local privilege escalation flaws. Attackers can exploit this weakness to modify critical font configuration files, delete essential system resources, or potentially overwrite binaries that could lead to further compromise of the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0576 extends beyond simple file manipulation capabilities as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of Solaris 9 systems running the affected STSF framework. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt font services, potentially causing application failures or system instability when font resources become unavailable or corrupted. More concerning is the potential for attackers to use this privilege escalation to gain access to sensitive system areas that may contain user credentials, configuration data, or other valuable resources. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as attackers can use it to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads. This weakness is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through legitimate means, making the attack surface significantly larger.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the appropriate Solaris patches and updates that address the privilege escalation flaw in the stfontserverd daemon. System administrators should also consider disabling the font server daemon if it is not actively required for system operations, as this reduces the attack surface. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that only authorized users can interact with font services, while monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual file access patterns or modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and represents a classic example of how insufficient access control checks can lead to system compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to establish persistence or move laterally within a compromised system. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other services that might be affected by similar privilege escalation issues in their Solaris environments, ensuring comprehensive protection against related threats.