CVE-2009-0319 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the autofs module in the kernel in Sun Solaris 8 through 10, and OpenSolaris before snv_108, allows local users to cause a denial of service (autofs mount outage) or possibly gain privileges via vectors related to "xdr processing problems."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0319 resides within the autofs kernel module of Sun Solaris operating systems spanning versions 8 through 10, alongside OpenSolaris prior to build snv_108. This represents a significant security flaw that affects the core file system mounting functionality of these systems, creating potential attack vectors for local adversaries seeking to disrupt system operations or escalate privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of XDR (External Data Representation) processing within the autofs module. XDR is a standard protocol used for data serialization and deserialization in network communications, particularly within Sun's Network File System implementations. When the autofs module encounters malformed or specially crafted XDR data during mount operations, it fails to properly validate or process these inputs, leading to unpredictable behavior that can manifest as system crashes or privilege escalation opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions. While local users can trigger autofs mount outages that disrupt file system access, the underlying flaw may also provide pathways for privilege escalation attacks. This dual nature makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through various means such as compromised user accounts or shared system access. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed operating system versions means that affected systems could experience widespread disruption across enterprise networks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in kernel space code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through kernel vulnerabilities, specifically under the T1068 category of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The local nature of the attack means that mitigation strategies should focus on restricting local access and implementing proper system hardening measures, including kernel patching and monitoring for anomalous mount operations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their Solaris systems to address the XDR processing flaws in the autofs module. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual autofs mount activities and establish network segmentation to limit potential exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel security validation and proper input sanitization in system-critical components that handle external data representations.