CVE-2006-3335 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in mkdir in HP-UX B.11.00, B.11.04, B.11.11, and B.11.23 allows local users to gain privileges via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3335 represents a privilege escalation issue within the mkdir system call implementation on HP-UX operating systems across multiple versions including B.11.00, B.11.04, B.11.11, and B.11.23. This unspecified flaw exists within the core file system creation functionality that is fundamental to Unix-like operating systems. The vulnerability classification indicates a local privilege escalation vector where an attacker with existing user access can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges to root level access, making it particularly concerning for system security. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation pathways may exist, potentially involving improper access control mechanisms, buffer handling issues, or other underlying system call vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves a flaw in how the mkdir system call processes user input or handles file creation permissions within the HP-UX kernel space. When a user invokes mkdir to create a new directory, the system call should properly validate permissions and ensure that the operation adheres to established security policies. However, this vulnerability indicates that the system call implementation contains a flaw that allows for unauthorized privilege elevation. The vulnerability may be related to improper handling of directory creation when special attributes or access control lists are involved, or it could stem from insufficient validation of user-supplied parameters during the directory creation process. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues, or potentially CWE-119, dealing with weaknesses in memory management that could lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with a direct pathway to gain root privileges on affected HP-UX systems. This means that any user who can execute the mkdir command can potentially exploit this vulnerability to achieve system-level control, which could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of HP-UX, indicating it was likely present in the system call implementation for an extended period, making it a persistent threat across various system deployments. The local nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require network access or special credentials beyond basic user access, making exploitation relatively straightforward. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users have standard accounts, as a single compromised account could lead to complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP-UX systems through official HP security updates or patches. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running the affected HP-UX versions and prioritize remediation efforts. In environments where patching cannot be immediately implemented, administrators should consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for suspicious mkdir operations, particularly those involving unusual directory paths or permission settings. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters for execution. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unauthorized privilege escalation attempts and unusual system call patterns. System administrators should also review and tighten directory creation policies, implement proper access controls, and ensure that only authorized users can perform directory creation operations. Additionally, maintaining updated security baselines and conducting regular security audits can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components and prevent exploitation of related weaknesses.