CVE-2007-5319 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the vuidmice STREAMS modules in Sun Solaris 8, 9, and 10 allows local users with console (/dev/console) access to cause a denial of service ("unusable" system console) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5319 represents a critical flaw within the vuidmice STREAMS modules of Sun Solaris operating systems across versions 8, 9, and 10. This issue specifically targets the system's console access mechanism, creating a potential pathway for local attackers who already possess console device access to disrupt system operations. The vuidmice module serves as a STREAMS driver responsible for handling mouse input within the Solaris environment, making it a crucial component for graphical user interface functionality and system interaction.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the STREAMS module implementation. When local users with access to the console device attempt to interact with the system through unspecified vectors, the module fails to properly process these inputs, leading to a cascade of system failures that ultimately render the console unusable. This represents a classic case of inadequate boundary checking and resource management within kernel-level modules, where malformed or unexpected input can trigger system instability. The STREAMS architecture in Solaris provides a framework for implementing device drivers and network protocols, but this particular implementation lacks robust error handling mechanisms that would prevent the module from becoming unresponsive or crashing.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant disruption for system administrators and legitimate users who rely on console access for system management and troubleshooting. When the console becomes unusable, administrators lose their primary means of system interaction, potentially requiring physical access or alternative recovery methods to restore system functionality. The denial of service condition affects the core system console functionality, which is fundamental for debugging, system monitoring, and emergency recovery operations. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where Solaris systems are deployed, as it can compromise system availability and increase recovery time for critical infrastructure components. The attack vector requires only local access to the console device, making it relatively accessible to users who have legitimate system access but could potentially abuse this privilege.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, concerning out-of-bounds read errors, as the root cause likely involves improper memory management within the STREAMS module. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1499, covering 'Endpoint Denial of Service', as it allows local users to cause system-level disruptions. The attack requires minimal privileges beyond console access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where console access is not strictly controlled or monitored. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader system hardening efforts, particularly when implementing least privilege principles and monitoring for unusual console access patterns. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application from Oracle, implementation of access controls for console devices, and regular system auditing to detect unauthorized console usage patterns. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect console unresponsiveness and automatically trigger alerting mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts.