CVE-2005-4133 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
sun update connection in sun solaris 10 when configured to use a web proxy allows local users to obtain the proxy authentication password via (1) an unspecified vector and (2) proxy log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4133 resides within the sun solaris 10 operating system's update connection mechanism when configured to utilize a web proxy server. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that affects the system's handling of proxy authentication credentials. The issue manifests when the solaris update process attempts to establish connections through a configured web proxy, creating a potential attack vector for local users who possess minimal system privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials during the proxy connection establishment phase, where sensitive information becomes inadvertently exposed through system logging mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between the solaris update client and proxy server authentication protocols. When the system attempts to authenticate with a proxy server, the authentication process fails to properly sanitize or mask the password information before it gets written to log files or system output streams. This occurs through an unspecified vector that likely involves the update mechanism's handling of proxy credentials during connection establishment. The flaw allows local users to access proxy authentication passwords through direct examination of proxy log files that contain the unmasked credentials. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and output sanitization, where sensitive data flows through system components without proper security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4133 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish unauthorized proxy connections and potentially gain access to restricted network resources. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can leverage the obtained proxy authentication credentials to bypass network security controls, access internal systems, and potentially escalate their privileges within the network environment. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on proxy servers for internet connectivity and update distribution, as it undermines the security assumptions of network isolation and authentication. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where proxy servers are commonly used for traffic filtering and monitoring purposes, as the exposed credentials could enable attackers to circumvent security policies and gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system hardening measures and configuration adjustments. Organizations must ensure that proxy authentication credentials are properly masked or sanitized before being written to log files, implementing proper input validation and output sanitization controls. The recommended approach includes disabling or restricting access to proxy log files containing authentication information, implementing proper log rotation and access controls, and ensuring that system update processes do not expose sensitive credentials through system output streams. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper output sanitization, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, focusing on credential access through system information gathering. System administrators should also implement monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access to proxy log files and establish proper access controls for system update mechanisms. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper handling of sensitive information within system components, particularly in enterprise operating systems where authentication mechanisms are critical to overall security posture.