Sun Microsystems Solaris NSPR Library Arbitrary File Creation Vulnerability
iDefense Security Advisory 10.11.06
http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Oct 11, 2006
I. BACKGROUND
The Netscape Portable Runtime (NSPR) API allows compliant applications
to use system facilities such as threads, thread synchronization, I/O,
interval timing, atomic operations and several other low-level services
in a platform-independent manner. More information can be found on
Mozilla's website at http://www.mozilla.org/projects/nspr/.
II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of a design error vulnerability in version 4.6.1 of
NSPR, as included with Sun Microsystems Solaris 10, allows attackers to
create or overwrite arbitrary files on the system.
The problem exists because environment variables are used to create log
files. Even when the program is setuid, users can specify a log file
that will be created with elevated privileges.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows local attackers to elevate privileges to root.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense confirmed that Solaris 10 with NSPR version 4.6.1 is vulnerable
to privilege escalation. Additionally, iDefense has also confirmed via
the source code that version 4.6.2 does not address the vulnerability.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any effective workaround for this
issue.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Sun Microsystems has addressed this issue with Sun Security Alert 102658
which can be found at:
http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-102658-1
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2006-4842 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
08/31/2006 Initial vendor notification
09/04/2006 Initial vendor response
10/11/2006 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.
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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.
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