CVE-2006-1689 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in su in HP HP-UX B.11.11, when using the LDAP netgroup feature, allows local users to gain unspecified access.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1689 resides within the su command implementation on HP-UX B.11.11 systems that utilize LDAP netgroup functionality. This represents a critical access control flaw that specifically manifests when local users attempt to leverage the LDAP netgroup feature during privilege escalation operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact mechanism of exploitation remains partially obscured, though it clearly involves a failure in the authorization process when the su command interacts with LDAP directory services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of Unix-like system privilege management, where the su command serves as the primary vehicle for switching user identities and accessing elevated privileges.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the interaction between the su command and the LDAP netgroup subsystem, where proper access validation fails to occur during the authentication and authorization phases. When LDAP netgroup support is enabled, the su command must verify user membership within specific groups before granting access rights, but this verification process contains a weakness that allows local users to bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability likely stems from improper handling of LDAP group membership data or flawed privilege checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate user credentials against the LDAP directory structure. This weakness creates an unauthorized access vector that operates within the local user context, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the security model of HP-UX systems running B.11.11 with LDAP netgroup support. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially gain administrative privileges, access restricted system resources, and execute unauthorized operations that should only be available to authorized administrators. The attack surface is particularly broad since the su command is a standard system utility used for legitimate administrative tasks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have local access. Security implications include potential data breaches, system compromise, and the ability for attackers to establish persistent access to critical system resources. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the trust model of the operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1689 should prioritize immediate system hardening through the application of vendor security patches and updates specifically designed to address the LDAP netgroup authentication flaw. Organizations should disable LDAP netgroup functionality on affected systems if it is not essential for business operations, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of su command usage and privilege escalation attempts to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 access control weaknesses and could be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access. Additionally, implementing mandatory access controls and regular security audits of system configurations can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader system infrastructure. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs.