CVE-2008-0965 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in snoop on Sun Solaris 8 through 10 and OpenSolaris before snv_96, when the -o option is omitted, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in an SMB packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0965 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting Sun Solaris operating systems from version 8 through 10 and OpenSolaris before snv_96. This security flaw resides within the snoop network monitoring utility which is designed to capture and display network traffic. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the snoop utility is executed without the -o option, which typically specifies the output file for captured packets. When snoop processes SMB (Server Message Block) packets without proper output redirection, it fails to properly validate format string arguments, creating a dangerous condition that adversaries can leverage for code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of format specifiers within the snoop utility's packet processing routines. Format string vulnerabilities occur when user-supplied data is directly used as a format string parameter without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code. In this specific case, the snoop utility's failure to properly validate SMB packet data when the -o option is omitted creates a path where attackers can craft specially formatted SMB packets that trigger the format string vulnerability. This flaw aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format strings are constructed from user-controlled data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges on affected systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the snoop process, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to its network monitoring capabilities. This creates a significant threat vector for network-based attacks, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction and can be triggered through standard network traffic processing, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through network-based SMB traffic, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SMB protocols are commonly used for file sharing and network communication. Network administrators and security professionals must consider the implications of this vulnerability in environments where snoop is actively used for network monitoring, as the utility itself becomes a potential attack vector. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Solaris versions including both legacy and newer releases indicates a persistent issue that required multiple patches and updates to address properly. Security practitioners should also recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader category of network protocol processing flaws that can be exploited to gain system compromise, aligning with ATT&CK techniques that focus on privilege escalation and remote code execution through network-based attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including disabling unnecessary network monitoring utilities, applying security patches, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.