CVE-2008-3839 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the NFS module in the kernel in Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris snv_59 through snv_87, when configured as an NFS server without the nodevices option, allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3839 represents a critical weakness within the Network File System (NFS) implementation of Sun Solaris operating systems. This issue specifically affects the kernel-level NFS module and manifests when the system is configured as an NFS server without the nodevices mount option. The vulnerability enables local attackers to trigger system instability leading to a complete system panic and denial of service condition. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for system administrators who must account for various potential attack surfaces.
The technical flaw resides in the kernel's handling of NFS server operations when device files are accessible through the mounted file system. Without the nodevices option, the system allows device files to be accessible via NFS shares, creating an environment where malicious local users can manipulate the kernel's NFS module behavior. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of kernel-level exploits that can cause system-wide instability and requires the attacker to have local access to the system. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition that results in kernel panic, effectively rendering the system unusable until manual reboot occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a fundamental security weakness in the kernel's NFS implementation. System administrators running Solaris 10 or OpenSolaris systems with NFS server configurations are particularly at risk since any local user with access to the system can potentially cause catastrophic system failures. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous configuration options like the nodevices parameter can significantly impact system stability and security posture. This issue particularly affects enterprise environments where NFS is commonly used for file sharing and where local privilege escalation or insider threats could exploit this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3839 primarily focus on proper system configuration and patch management. The most effective immediate solution involves configuring NFS mounts with the nodevices option to prevent device file access through NFS shares. System administrators should also ensure that all Solaris systems are updated to the latest security patches provided by Sun Microsystems, which would include fixes for the kernel-level NFS module. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual NFS activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and denial of service attacks, while the underlying kernel flaw corresponds to CWE-119, which addresses memory safety issues in kernel space. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper system hardening practices to prevent local users from gaining the ability to cause system-wide failures through kernel-level exploits.