CVE-2009-4211 in Srr For Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Readiness Review (SRR) script for the Solaris x86 platform executes files in arbitrary directories as root for filenames equal to (1) java, (2) openssl, (3) php, (4) snort, (5) tshark, (6) vncserver, or (7) wireshark, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4211 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Defense Information Systems Agency's Security Readiness Review script designed for Solaris x86 platforms. This security weakness stems from improper handling of executable file paths during system security assessments, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user to root level access. The issue specifically affects the SRR script's execution environment where it attempts to locate and execute specific utility programs without proper path validation or sanitization mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests when the SRR script searches for and executes binaries with predetermined names including java, openssl, php, snort, tshark, vncserver, and wireshark. The vulnerability occurs because the script uses a PATH-based lookup mechanism that does not properly verify the absolute path of executables before execution. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate the system's PATH environment variable or create malicious Trojan horse programs in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories. When the script encounters these specific executable names, it executes whatever program happens to be in the first directory of the PATH that contains a matching filename, regardless of whether it's the intended system utility or a malicious replacement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-426 categories, which address improper input validation and the execution of untrusted code. Local users with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to gain root access, effectively compromising the entire system. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with full system privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running Solaris x86 platforms where the DISA SRR script is deployed, making it particularly concerning for military and government networks that rely on these security assessment tools.
The attack vector relies on the principle of Trojan horse execution where malicious files are placed in directories that precede the legitimate system directories in the PATH environment variable. This technique exploits the fundamental security principle that executable files should be explicitly identified by their absolute paths rather than relying on PATH resolution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure programming practices that violate the principle of least privilege and proper input validation. Organizations using the SRR script are particularly vulnerable because the tool itself is designed for security assessment purposes, making the compromise of such a tool especially damaging to overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper path validation and absolute path execution for all system utilities. The recommended approach involves modifying the SRR script to use absolute paths for all executable references instead of relying on PATH-based resolution. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques and addresses the core issue identified in the vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper file permission controls, regularly audit PATH environment variables, and ensure that the SRR script is executed in restricted environments. Additional measures include deploying automated monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system directories and implementing proper privilege separation to limit the impact of potential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in security tools, as these utilities are often trusted to operate with elevated privileges and must therefore be protected against manipulation.