CVE-2008-2707 in Network Interface Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the e1000g driver in Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris before snv_93 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (network connectivity loss) via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2707 resides within the e1000g driver component of Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris operating systems prior to the snv_93 release. This driver serves as a critical network interface controller driver responsible for managing Intel e1000 family network hardware, specifically handling gigabit Ethernet connectivity for systems running these operating environments. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical flaw remains undocumented in publicly available sources, though its classification as a remote attack vector suggests an exploitation method that does not require local system access or physical presence.
The technical flaw manifests as a condition within the e1000g driver that can be triggered remotely, leading to a denial of service scenario where network connectivity is completely severed from affected systems. This represents a significant operational risk as network connectivity loss can impact entire network segments, particularly in enterprise environments where Solaris systems may serve as critical network infrastructure components. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector implies that malicious actors could potentially exploit this weakness from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to external network traffic.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Solaris systems for network operations. Network connectivity loss affects not only individual system functionality but can cascade through network infrastructure, potentially disrupting business operations, communication services, and data access capabilities. The remote exploitability aspect means that adversaries could target vulnerable systems without requiring physical access or network proximity, making detection and prevention more challenging. Organizations may experience service degradation or complete network outages depending on the scope and targeting of exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, suggesting potential memory handling issues within the driver's implementation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques involving denial of service attacks and network service disruption, specifically targeting system and network availability. Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by Oracle for Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris systems, ensuring that systems are updated to snv_93 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual network behavior patterns can also help detect potential exploitation attempts, though the most effective approach remains timely patch management and system updates to eliminate the vulnerability at its source.