CVE-2009-0132 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the aio_suspend function in Sun Solaris 8 through 10 and OpenSolaris, when 32-bit mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) via a large integer value in the second argument (aka nent argument).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0132 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the asynchronous input/output subsystem of Sun Solaris operating systems. This issue specifically affects versions 8 through 10 and OpenSolaris when operating in 32-bit mode, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system through a carefully crafted integer value. The vulnerability manifests within the aio_suspend function, which serves as a core component for managing asynchronous I/O operations in the kernel space, making it a prime target for privilege escalation and system stability compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of integer values within the aio_suspend function when processing the nent argument, which specifies the number of asynchronous I/O operations to wait for. When a large integer value is passed as this parameter, the system fails to properly validate or clamp the input, leading to an integer overflow condition that corrupts memory structures and ultimately results in system panic. This condition occurs because the 32-bit mode implementation does not adequately check for integer overflow scenarios, particularly when dealing with large values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used in the calculation. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow and wraparound issues, and falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as local users with minimal privileges can trigger system panics that effectively render the affected system unusable. This creates a significant risk for environments where Solaris systems operate with multiple local users or where privilege escalation opportunities exist within the system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local access and does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for systems where local security controls may be insufficient. The panic condition that results from exploitation can cause complete system shutdown, requiring manual intervention for recovery and potentially leading to data loss or service disruption. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1499, which covers endpoint denial of service attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0132 primarily involve applying the official security patches provided by Sun Microsystems, which address the integer overflow condition through proper input validation and boundary checking. System administrators should ensure that all Solaris systems are updated to patched versions, particularly those running in 32-bit mode where the vulnerability is most pronounced. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and limiting local user privileges can reduce the attack surface, as the vulnerability requires local user access to exploit. Monitoring for unusual system behavior or kernel panic events can help detect exploitation attempts, though this approach is reactive rather than preventive. The recommended solution aligns with industry best practices for kernel security hardening and follows the principles outlined in the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, where this vulnerability would typically score high due to its local exploitability and potential for system-wide impact. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious I/O patterns or kernel function calls that might indicate exploitation attempts.