CVE-2009-0167 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in lpadmin in Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris snv_61 through snv_106 allows local users to cause a denial of service via unspecified vectors, related to enumeration of "wrong printers," aka a "Temporary file vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0167 represents a significant security flaw within the lpadmin utility of Sun Solaris 10 and OpenSolaris systems spanning versions snv_61 through snv_106. This issue manifests as a temporary file vulnerability that enables local attackers to disrupt system operations through unspecified vectors related to printer enumeration processes. The lpadmin utility serves as a critical component for printer administration within these operating systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where print services are extensively utilized.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files during the printer enumeration process, specifically when the system encounters "wrong printers" or malformed printer configurations. This flaw falls under the broader category of temporary file handling vulnerabilities that are commonly classified as CWE-377 - Insecure Temporary File Creation and CWE-378 - Creation of Temporary File With Insecure Permissions. The vulnerability allows local users to manipulate the temporary file creation process in a manner that can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions, effectively preventing legitimate printer administration operations from functioning properly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to system availability and service continuity within Solaris environments. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to systematically disrupt printer services, potentially affecting critical business operations that depend on print functionality. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the denial of service can cascade into broader system instability, particularly in environments where print services are tightly integrated with other system components. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access is more readily available, as it provides a low-effort path to system disruption that can be difficult to detect and trace.
The security implications of CVE-2009-0167 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, specifically targeting system services and resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from Oracle, restricting local user privileges where possible, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous temporary file creation patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit local access to systems running affected versions, while maintaining detailed audit logs of printer administration activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper temporary file handling practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in significant operational impacts.