CVE-2006-3159 in One Messaging Server
Summary
by MITRE
pipe_master in Sun ONE/iPlanet Messaging Server 5.2 HotFix 1.16 (built May 14 2003) allows local users to read portions of restricted files via a symlink attack on msg.conf in a directory identified by the CONFIGROOT environment variable, which returns the first line of the file in an error message.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3159 represents a critical local privilege escalation issue within the Sun ONE/iPlanet Messaging Server version 5.2 HotFix 1.16. This flaw resides in the pipe_master component which processes messages and handles configuration file operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the messaging server operates with elevated privileges and processes user-provided input through the msg.conf configuration file. The system's handling of symbolic links during file processing creates an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to bypass access controls and read sensitive information from restricted system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper file access validation within the pipe_master process. When the messaging server encounters a configuration file named msg.conf, it processes this file through a directory path determined by the CONFIGROOT environment variable. The flaw occurs during symlink resolution where the system does not properly validate the target of symbolic links before attempting to read file contents. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-59, which describes improper link resolution without limit checks, and CWE-22, which covers improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The system's error handling mechanism inadvertently exposes the first line of the targeted restricted file through error messages, creating a data leakage vector that can reveal sensitive configuration information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system configuration data that could aid in further exploitation. Local users who can manipulate the symbolic link structure in the CONFIGROOT directory can read the first line of any file they have permission to traverse to, potentially exposing passwords, database connection strings, or other sensitive configuration parameters. This vulnerability enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers can gather information about the system's internal workings and potentially identify additional weaknesses in the messaging server's security architecture. The attack vector specifically targets the configuration directory structure and leverages the server's error reporting mechanism to extract information that should remain restricted.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining the Sun ONE/iPlanet Messaging Server environment. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of the messaging server software that properly validates symbolic links and implements proper access controls during file processing. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file system permissions that prevent unauthorized users from creating symbolic links in directories where the messaging server processes configuration files. The system should be configured to use absolute paths for configuration files rather than relying on environment variables that can be manipulated by local users. Security hardening measures should include restricting the CONFIGROOT environment variable to predefined, secure directories and implementing proper input validation to prevent symlink attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system configuration weaknesses, and T1005, which covers data from local system repositories. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file access patterns and symbolic link creation activities in messaging server directories, as these activities may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.