CVE-2005-4701 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Process File System (procfs) in Sun Solaris 10 allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as process working directories via unknown attack vectors, possibly pwdx.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4701 resides within the Process File System implementation of Sun Solaris 10 operating system, specifically affecting the procfs subsystem that provides an interface to process information and system resources. This weakness represents a significant information disclosure flaw that enables local attackers to extract sensitive process-related data without proper authorization. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified attack vectors that allow unauthorized access to process working directories and other confidential information typically protected by the operating system's security model. The potential for information leakage through this mechanism could provide attackers with valuable insights into running processes and system configuration that might aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the procfs implementation where local users can traverse process information through mechanisms that should be restricted. The mention of possible pwdx utilization suggests that the flaw may be exploited through standard process monitoring tools that interact with the procfs interface. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege enforcement where the system fails to properly validate access permissions for process information. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure issues that can be categorized as CWE-200, which deals with the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and potentially CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to system security as it allows local users to gain insights into other processes running on the system, potentially revealing sensitive data about application behavior, file system locations, and system configuration details. The information obtained through such exploitation could be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks, identify potential targets for privilege escalation, or map out system architecture for further reconnaissance. The impact is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where process isolation is expected to maintain security boundaries between different user sessions and processes.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and privilege enforcement within the procfs subsystem. System administrators should ensure that Solaris 10 systems are updated with the latest security patches from Sun Microsystems, as this vulnerability was likely addressed through kernel updates and security fixes. Additionally, monitoring and logging of procfs access patterns can help detect suspicious activity related to information disclosure attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1211, which deals with exploitation for privilege escalation through information gathering. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles and restricting unnecessary access to process information through system hardening measures and proper security configuration of the operating system's security model.