CVE-2010-0310 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Trusted Extensions in Sun Solaris 10 allows local users to gain privileges via vectors related to omission of unspecified libraries from software updates.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0310 affects the Trusted Extensions feature within Sun Solaris 10 operating system, representing a significant security weakness that could enable local attackers to escalate their privileges. This issue specifically relates to the handling of software updates and the omission of certain libraries during the update process, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors with local access to compromised systems. The Trusted Extensions component in Solaris 10 is designed to provide mandatory access control capabilities, allowing administrators to enforce security policies that restrict user access to system resources based on security labels and classifications.
The technical flaw manifests when unspecified libraries are omitted from software updates within the Trusted Extensions framework, creating inconsistencies that can be leveraged by local users to bypass security controls. This vulnerability operates under the principle of privilege escalation, where an attacker with normal user privileges can exploit the incomplete update mechanism to gain elevated system access. The omission of critical libraries during updates means that certain security checks or access controls may not function properly, potentially allowing unauthorized operations that should be restricted by the Trusted Extensions policy framework. This weakness directly impacts the integrity of the security model implemented by Trusted Extensions, undermining the mandatory access control mechanisms that are fundamental to the system's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it compromises the core security assurances provided by Trusted Extensions in Solaris 10 environments. Local users who exploit this flaw can potentially access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or perform administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This vulnerability particularly affects government and enterprise environments that rely on Trusted Extensions for security compliance, as it undermines the security labels and access controls that are essential for maintaining data classification integrity. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to classified information, system compromise, and potential data breaches that could have significant legal and operational consequences for organizations relying on Solaris 10 with Trusted Extensions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available security patches from Oracle, which would address the library omission issue in software updates. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of their Trusted Extensions configurations to identify any inconsistencies or missing components that could be exploited. The implementation of additional monitoring controls around software update processes can help detect unauthorized modifications or incomplete installations. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to critical system components. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the software update mechanism that allows for privilege escalation through improper library handling, categorized under CWE-276 for improper privilege management and CWE-20 for input validation issues in update processes. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management solutions and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in their environments.