CVE-2006-4319 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the format command in Solaris 8, 9, and 10 allows local users with access to format (such as the "File System Management" RBAC profile) to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-4307.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4319 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the format command functionality of Solaris operating systems version 8, 9, and 10. This security weakness specifically targets the format command which is typically accessible to users with the "File System Management" Role-Based Access Control profile, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by individuals who already possess legitimate administrative privileges within the system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the format command implementation, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution through carefully crafted inputs that exceed the allocated buffer space. Unlike CVE-2006-4307 which addressed a different aspect of the format command, this vulnerability specifically focuses on the command's handling of user-supplied data during filesystem formatting operations.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow vulnerability places it firmly within the scope of CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer. The flaw manifests when the format command processes user inputs without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker with access to the File System Management RBAC profile to craft inputs that overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution pointers, function return addresses, or other control data structures, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the format command. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local access and the specific RBAC profile, but once achieved, provides a significant escalation path for attackers who may already have administrative capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4319 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a serious threat to system integrity and security posture within Solaris environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute malicious code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running Solaris 8, 9, and 10, which were widely deployed enterprise operating systems during the mid-2000s period, making this a significant concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems. The attack vector requires local access and specific RBAC permissions, but the potential for privilege escalation and code execution makes this a critical vulnerability for security teams to address. Organizations with systems running these Solaris versions should prioritize patching or implementing compensating controls to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4319 should focus on immediate patch application from Oracle, as well as implementing additional security controls to limit exposure. The most effective approach involves applying the official Solaris patches released by Oracle to address the buffer overflow in the format command. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls, ensuring that only essential personnel have access to the File System Management RBAC profile. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious format command usage, implementing application whitelisting where possible, and conducting regular security audits to identify unauthorized access to privileged profiles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and command and control operations, making it relevant to both T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) tactics. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in system administration tools, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of all privileged system commands.