CVE-2009-1207 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the dircmp script in Sun Solaris 8 through 10, and OpenSolaris snv_01 through snv_111, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files, probably involving a symlink attack on temporary files.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1207 represents a critical race condition flaw within the dircmp script functionality of various Solaris operating system versions. This issue affects Sun Solaris 8 through 10 releases as well as OpenSolaris snv_01 through snv_111 variants, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized file system access. The fundamental problem lies in how the dircmp script handles temporary file creation and management during directory comparison operations, where the timing window between file creation and access creates opportunities for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary files within the dircmp script execution environment. When the script performs directory comparisons, it creates temporary files that are subsequently used for storing comparison results or intermediate data. The race condition occurs because the script does not properly secure these temporary files against manipulation by unauthorized users. Specifically, attackers can exploit this weakness by creating symbolic links in the directory where temporary files are expected to be created, thereby positioning themselves to intercept or overwrite files that should remain protected. This type of attack pattern aligns with common symlink-based exploitation techniques documented in cybersecurity literature and corresponds to CWE-367, which addresses the improper handling of symbolic links in file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or compromise system integrity. Local users who can execute the dircmp script can leverage this race condition to modify critical system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed without requiring network access or specialized tools. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Solaris versions suggests it was a persistent issue that affected a substantial portion of the Solaris user base, making it a high-priority target for exploitation by threat actors. This weakness creates a persistent backdoor opportunity that could be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system hardening measures and proper privilege management. System administrators should ensure that all affected Solaris systems receive appropriate patches from Oracle, which typically address the race condition by implementing proper file creation atomicity or by using more secure temporary file handling mechanisms. The recommended approach involves modifying the script execution environment to prevent attackers from manipulating temporary file locations, including implementing proper directory permissions and ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate security attributes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file system activities around temporary file creation and modification. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use the file overwrite capability to establish footholds within the system. The remediation process should include comprehensive system auditing to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that the patched systems maintain proper security configurations to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the operating system.