CVE-2007-3880 in Remote Services Net Connect
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in srsexec in Sun Remote Services (SRS) Net Connect 3.2.3 and 3.2.4, as distributed in the SRS Proxy Core (SUNWsrspx) package, allows local users to gain privileges via format string specifiers in unspecified input that is logged through syslog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3880 represents a critical format string flaw within the srsexec component of Sun Remote Services Net Connect version 3.2.3 and 3.2.4. This issue resides within the SUNWsrspx package distribution and specifically affects the SRS Proxy Core functionality. The vulnerability manifests when the srsexec process handles unspecified input that gets processed through syslog logging mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to escalate privileges. The flaw stems from improper input validation and handling within the logging subsystem, where format string specifiers are not adequately sanitized or escaped before being processed by the syslog function. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 classification, which specifically addresses the use of format strings in logging functions without proper validation, making it susceptible to exploitation through crafted input that can manipulate the format string processing behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local user provides malicious input containing format string specifiers to the srsexec process. When this input is logged through syslog, the format string vulnerability allows the attacker to control how the logging function interprets the input data. This can lead to information disclosure, where the attacker can read arbitrary memory locations, or more severe privilege escalation attacks where the attacker can inject code or manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a privileged process that handles remote service execution, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges that could be used to compromise the entire system or access sensitive data. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker must already have a foothold on the system, but the privilege escalation potential makes this vulnerability particularly attractive for attackers who have already gained initial access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information and potentially compromise the integrity of the remote services infrastructure. In enterprise environments using Sun Remote Services, this vulnerability could allow attackers to access confidential data, manipulate remote service configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability's presence in the SRS Proxy Core package means that organizations using this specific version of Sun Remote Services are at risk, and the exploitation could potentially affect multiple systems if the vulnerability is present across different installations. Organizations with multiple remote service endpoints or complex network infrastructures using this software may face widespread impact if the vulnerability is exploited successfully, as it could enable attackers to move laterally within the network or access additional systems that rely on the same remote services infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3880 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software components, as Sun would have released updates to address this specific format string vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation procedures for all data that passes through logging mechanisms, particularly in privileged processes like srsexec. The implementation of proper format string handling practices, including the use of printf-style functions with explicit format strings rather than user-supplied input, can prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring and alerting for unusual logging activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of format string vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, making it a critical concern for security operations teams managing enterprise remote services infrastructure.