CVE-2010-3542 in OpenSolaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Solaris 8, 9, and 10, and OpenSolaris, allows local users to affect confidentiality, related to USB.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3542 represents a security flaw within Oracle Solaris operating systems spanning versions 8, 9, and 10, as well as OpenSolaris, which specifically impacts the USB subsystem. This unspecified weakness creates a potential pathway for local attackers to compromise the confidentiality of system data through USB device interactions. The vulnerability resides within the kernel-level USB handling mechanisms, where inadequate input validation or access control measures permit unauthorized data disclosure. Such a flaw is particularly concerning given that USB devices are commonly used for data transfer and system administration tasks, making the attack surface more expansive than initially apparent.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient security controls within the USB device management framework of Solaris. Local users who can physically access a system or have limited user privileges may exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's classification as affecting confidentiality indicates that attackers could potentially extract data from system memory, device buffers, or other sensitive storage areas that are accessible through USB interfaces. This type of vulnerability typically involves improper handling of USB device enumeration, device driver interactions, or memory allocation during USB communication processes.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2010-3542 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the operating system's security architecture. Local attackers who can access a target system through legitimate USB connections may exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate system functionality rather than requiring external network access or complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a direct threat to the principle of least privilege in system security models.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and typically involves connecting malicious USB devices or leveraging existing USB connections to trigger the flawed code path. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Solaris versions indicates a widespread issue that affects various system architectures and deployment scenarios. Organizations running these affected operating systems must implement immediate mitigations to protect against potential exploitation, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3542 should focus on both immediate patching and operational controls. System administrators should apply the relevant Oracle security patches and updates that address the USB subsystem vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing USB device control policies, disabling unnecessary USB ports, and monitoring USB device connections can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing USB device whitelisting mechanisms and restricting local user access to USB interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for device drivers and kernel components, particularly those handling external hardware interfaces that are critical to system security. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include thorough examination of USB and device management components to identify similar weaknesses that may exist in other system areas.