CVE-2008-0718 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the USB Mouse STREAMS module (usbms) in Sun Solaris 9 and 10, when 64-bit mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0718 represents a critical flaw within the USB Mouse STREAMS module of Sun Solaris operating systems, specifically affecting versions 9 and 10 when operating in 64-bit mode. This issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability types that can lead to system instability and operational disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the kernel-level STREAMS module responsible for USB mouse input handling, making it a potential attack surface for local privilege escalation and system compromise. The STREAMS framework serves as a modular architecture for handling data streams in Unix-like systems, and its vulnerability directly impacts the core input processing capabilities of the operating system. The fact that this vulnerability manifests specifically in 64-bit mode indicates a potential architecture-specific issue that may involve pointer handling, memory management, or data type conversions that differ between 32-bit and 64-bit execution environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a panic condition that occurs when the usbms module processes certain input sequences or data structures in 64-bit mode. This panic represents a kernel-level crash that terminates the system's ability to process USB mouse input, effectively causing a denial of service condition. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through various input methods or data patterns within the USB mouse STREAMS module, potentially including malformed input packets, specific button press sequences, or timing-related issues during device communication. The STREAMS module architecture processes data through a series of modules that handle different aspects of data flow, and the vulnerability likely occurs at a boundary where data is passed between these modules or where the module handles specific USB mouse protocols. This type of vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-119 as memory corruption issues or CWE-121 as buffer overflow conditions, though the exact technical mechanism remains unspecified in the CVE description.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0718 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to destabilize systems running Sun Solaris 9 and 10 in 64-bit mode. Local users with access to the system can exploit this vulnerability to force kernel panics, which can result in system crashes and require manual intervention to restore normal operations. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system stability is critical, as it could be used to disrupt services or potentially as part of a larger attack chain. The impact is amplified in environments where USB mouse input is critical for system operation or where automated systems rely on consistent input handling. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation and system compromise through kernel-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence in 64-bit mode also suggests that organizations running these operating systems in 64-bit configurations are at higher risk, potentially requiring immediate patching or mitigation strategies.
The remediation approach for CVE-2008-0718 involves implementing patches provided by Sun Microsystems, which would address the specific kernel-level flaw in the usbms STREAMS module. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches to systems running Sun Solaris 9 and 10 in 64-bit mode, as the vulnerability represents a potential security risk that could be exploited to cause system instability. Alternative mitigations may include disabling USB mouse input when not required, implementing monitoring for system panic events, or restricting local user access to systems where this vulnerability exists. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level STREAMS module issue means that traditional application-level security measures may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation. System administrators should also consider implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential panic conditions that could indicate exploitation attempts, and should maintain regular system updates to ensure all known vulnerabilities are addressed. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel security in operating systems and highlights the need for thorough testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling input devices that are critical to system operation.