CVE-2009-2899 in Hyperic HQ
Summary
by MITRE
The monitor perl script in the Sybase database plug-in in SpringSource Hyperic HQ before 4.3 allows local users to obtain the database password by listing the process and its arguments.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2899 represents a critical security flaw in the SpringSource Hyperic HQ monitoring platform, specifically within its Sybase database plug-in. This issue affects versions prior to 4.3 and demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vulnerability through process enumeration. The flaw exists in the monitor perl script component that is responsible for monitoring Sybase database instances, creating a scenario where local attackers can exploit the system's process listing capabilities to extract sensitive authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of process arguments within the perl script. When the monitoring process executes, it passes database connection parameters including passwords as command-line arguments to the underlying processes. Local users with minimal system access can leverage standard process enumeration tools such as ps or similar utilities to view the running processes and their associated command-line parameters. This exposure occurs because the script does not properly sanitize or obfuscate sensitive information passed through process arguments, violating fundamental security principles of credential handling and information disclosure prevention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with direct access to database authentication credentials that can be immediately leveraged for unauthorized database access. This creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where local users can escalate their access level to gain database administrative privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where Hyperic HQ is deployed with elevated privileges or where multiple users share the same system, as it allows any local user to potentially access all monitored database systems. This issue directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through process argument enumeration, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Organizations utilizing SpringSource Hyperic HQ should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to version 4.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent process argument disclosure. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing process argument sanitization measures, such as using environment variables instead of command-line parameters for credential passing, or employing alternative monitoring approaches that do not expose authentication details through process listings. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices should also be enforced to limit local user access to monitoring systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in monitoring and management tools, particularly when handling sensitive authentication information, and underscores the necessity of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for protecting against credential exposure attacks.