CVE-2007-3469 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the TCP Loopback/Fusion implementation in Sun Solaris 10 allows local users to cause a denial of service (resource exhaustion and service hang) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3469 represents a critical weakness within the TCP Loopback/Fusion implementation of Sun Solaris 10 operating system. This flaw exists in the kernel-level networking components that handle loopback communication and fusion mechanisms, which are essential for efficient internal network operations. The vulnerability manifests as an unspecified weakness that enables local attackers to exploit system resources through mechanisms that are not fully documented in the initial CVE description. The TCP Loopback implementation is designed to provide efficient communication between processes within the same host, while the Fusion component handles multiplexing of multiple connections through a single socket, making these components fundamental to system performance and stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows local users to trigger resource exhaustion conditions that result in service hangs and system instability. Attackers can leverage this weakness to consume system resources such as memory, file descriptors, or CPU cycles in a manner that causes the affected services to become unresponsive or terminate unexpectedly. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths exist within the TCP Loopback/Fusion implementation, potentially involving various network protocols, connection states, or resource allocation patterns. This broad attack surface makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through different methods depending on the specific system configuration and usage patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise the overall system stability and availability of network services. When local users can cause resource exhaustion and service hangs through TCP Loopback/Fusion mechanisms, it creates a scenario where legitimate system operations may be disrupted or terminated. This can affect critical services such as web servers, database systems, or other network-dependent applications that rely on stable loopback communication. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where multiple applications or services utilize loopback connections simultaneously, as the resource exhaustion can cascade through the system and impact broader operational functionality. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker must already have access to the system, but this access level can be achieved through various means including compromised accounts, privilege escalation, or physical access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which covers "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption," and represents a classic example of how kernel-level networking components can become attack vectors. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, where local users can leverage system weaknesses to cause system instability. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns and ensure that all Solaris 10 systems are updated with the latest security patches from Oracle. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource management in kernel networking components and highlights the need for robust input validation and resource limiting mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as process monitoring, resource quotas, and network segmentation to mitigate potential exploitation scenarios.
The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and security configurations in enterprise environments. Organizations running Sun Solaris 10 systems should prioritize immediate patching and conduct thorough security assessments of their network infrastructure. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should include evaluation of kernel-level networking components to identify similar weaknesses. The incident also emphasizes the need for proper system hardening practices and adherence to security best practices for operating system configurations. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor components like loopback networking can become significant security concerns when not properly secured against resource exhaustion attacks.