CVE-2006-6495 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ld.so.1 in Sun Solaris 8, 9, and 10 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via large precision padding values in a format string specifier in the format parameter of the doprf function. NOTE: this issue normally does not cross privilege boundaries, except in cases of external introduction of malicious message files, or if it is leveraged with other vulnerabilities such as CVE-2006-6494.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6495 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the dynamic linker component ld.so.1 of Sun Solaris operating systems version 8, 9, and 10. This flaw resides in the doprf function where format string processing occurs, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when large precision padding values are provided in format string specifiers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that enables arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires local system access since the vulnerability is inherent in the system's dynamic linking mechanism that processes format strings during runtime.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of format string parameters that are processed by the doprf function within ld.so.1. When the dynamic linker encounters a format string with excessive precision padding values, the insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption to occur on the stack. The stack overflow enables attackers to overwrite return addresses and potentially inject malicious code into the execution flow of the dynamic linker itself. This mechanism aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the dynamic linker process. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because ld.so.1 operates with elevated privileges during dynamic linking operations, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6495 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can be combined with other vulnerabilities such as CVE-2006-6494 to create more sophisticated attack chains. While the vulnerability typically does not cross privilege boundaries on its own, it becomes significantly more dangerous when combined with external malicious message file introduction or other system-level vulnerabilities. The exploitation requires a local attacker with system access, but the potential for privilege escalation makes it a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to Solaris systems. The vulnerability affects all versions of Solaris 8, 9, and 10, representing a broad attack surface that would have been particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating systems in enterprise environments. The issue demonstrates how fundamental system components like dynamic linkers can contain critical flaws that compromise system security and integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official security patches provided by Sun Microsystems for the affected Solaris versions. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure that all Solaris 8, 9, and 10 systems are updated with the latest security fixes. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can help reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in system-level components and underscores the need for rigorous security testing of dynamic linking mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous format string usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system security patches and the potential consequences of failing to address fundamental memory safety issues in core system components.