CVE-2015-2132 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the execve system-call implementation in HP HP-UX B.11.11, B.11.23, and B.11.31 allows local users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2132 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the execve system call implementation of Hewlett Packard HP-UX operating systems. This unspecified weakness affects multiple versions including B.11.11, B.11.23, and B.11.31, indicating a persistent issue across the HP-UX platform that has remained unpatched for an extended period. The execve system call serves as a fundamental mechanism for executing programs in Unix-like operating systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it directly impacts the core process execution functionality. Local users who can exploit this flaw can potentially elevate their privileges from standard user level to root access, thereby gaining complete control over the affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of certain parameters or conditions within the execve system call implementation. While the exact vector remains unspecified in the CVE description, such privilege escalation vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation, improper access control checks, or flawed privilege management during process execution. The execve system call interface provides a pathway for programs to replace the current process image with a new program, and any weakness in this implementation could allow malicious code to manipulate the execution environment or bypass security controls. This flaw represents a classic case of a kernel-level vulnerability that operates at the boundary between user and kernel space, where improper validation could lead to unauthorized privilege elevation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2132 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of affected HP-UX systems. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain root privileges without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where system integrity is paramount. The implications include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability for the affected systems. Organizations running these legacy HP-UX versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be leveraged by both insider threats and external attackers who have gained local access through other means. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that local access is often easier to obtain than remote access, especially in enterprise environments where users may have legitimate local access for administrative purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2132 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches from HP, as the vulnerability affects systems that have reached end-of-life support status. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts and conduct thorough security assessments of systems running affected HP-UX versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Given the age of the affected systems, organizations should consider migrating to supported operating system versions or implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, process isolation, and strict user privilege management. Additionally, system administrators should review and audit existing user accounts, implement least privilege principles, and ensure that local access is strictly controlled and monitored to minimize potential exploitation opportunities.