CVE-2008-3666 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris before snv_96 allows (1) context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (panic) via vectors involving creation of a crafted file and use of the sendfilev system call, as demonstrated by a file served by an Apache 2.2.x web server with EnableSendFile configured; and (2) local users to cause a denial of service (panic) via a call to the sendfile system call, as reachable through the sendfilev library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3666 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris operating systems prior to build snv_96, affecting the kernel-level sendfile system call implementation. This vulnerability manifests as a panic condition that can be triggered through specific file creation and system call usage patterns, creating a significant denial of service risk for systems running these operating systems. The flaw specifically impacts the sendfilev system call functionality and its underlying library implementations, making it particularly dangerous in web server environments where file serving operations are common.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of file descriptors and buffer management within the sendfile system call implementation. When attackers craft specific files and utilize the sendfilev system call, the kernel experiences an unexpected state that leads to system panic and complete service disruption. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level and requires context-dependent attack vectors, meaning that the specific conditions under which the flaw manifests must be carefully constructed by attackers. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through legitimate web server operations, as demonstrated by Apache 2.2.x configurations with EnableSendFile enabled, making it accessible to attackers who understand the system's file serving mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3666 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromising entire system availability and stability. For web servers running on affected Solaris systems, this vulnerability creates a significant risk where malicious users could upload crafted files and trigger the panic condition through normal file serving operations, effectively taking the web server offline. Local users also face risks as they can trigger similar panic conditions through direct system call invocation, making this a multi-vector vulnerability that affects both remote attackers and privileged local users. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and demonstrates how kernel-level buffer overflows or improper validation can lead to system crashes and denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Solaris 10 build snv_96 or later versions where the kernel-level fixes have been implemented. System administrators should disable the EnableSendFile directive in Apache configurations as a temporary workaround while applying patches, since this specific configuration triggers the vulnerable code path. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious file uploads and implement additional security controls around file serving operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, while also relating to T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through system call manipulation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring for kernel panic events and ensure proper system hardening practices are in place to prevent exploitation of similar kernel-level vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of kernel security validation and proper input sanitization in operating system implementations. The fact that it can be triggered through legitimate web server operations demonstrates how seemingly benign features can become attack vectors when kernel-level validation is insufficient. System administrators should maintain updated security patches and implement proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and validation of system calls, particularly those involving file I/O operations and network data transfer mechanisms that are fundamental to system operation.