Source: cve@mitre.org
Vulnerability in the /etc/suid_exec program in HP Apollo Domain/OS sr10.2 and sr10.3 beta, related to the Korn Shell (ksh).
Critical vulnerability exists in HP Apollo Domain/OS sr10.2 and sr10.3 beta, allowing attackers to potentially gain root privileges through the suid_exec program. This flaw, stemming from interactions with the Korn Shell (ksh), could lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration if successfully exploited.
Step 1: Input Preparation: The attacker crafts a malicious input string designed to be passed to suid_exec.
Step 2: Input Delivery: The attacker provides the crafted input to the suid_exec program, likely through a command-line argument or environment variable.
Step 3: Command Injection: The suid_exec program, due to insufficient input validation, incorporates the attacker's input directly into a command string that is then executed by ksh.
Step 4: Malicious Execution: The injected commands are executed by ksh with the privileges of the suid_exec program, which is likely running with elevated (root) privileges.
Step 5: Privilege Escalation: The attacker's injected commands execute, granting the attacker root access, allowing them to perform actions such as creating new users, modifying system files, or installing backdoors.
The vulnerability lies within the suid_exec program, which likely mishandles user-supplied input when interacting with the Korn Shell (ksh). The root cause is likely a command injection vulnerability. The suid_exec program, when invoked, probably constructs a command string to execute with ksh, and it fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before incorporating it into this command. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands into the string, which are then executed with elevated privileges. The lack of input validation or improper use of shell quoting mechanisms are the likely contributing factors.
While no specific APTs are directly linked to this very old CVE, the techniques used (command injection) are commonly employed by a wide range of threat actors. This vulnerability is not likely to be targeted by modern APTs due to the age of the affected systems. CISA KEV status: Not Applicable
Review system logs for unusual activity related to the suid_exec program, including command-line arguments and environment variables.
Monitor network traffic for any attempts to interact with the vulnerable system.
Analyze process execution logs for unexpected processes spawned by suid_exec.
Examine the contents of the suid_exec program's configuration files for any suspicious modifications.
Isolate or decommission affected systems immediately.
If the system must remain online, implement strict input validation for any program that interacts with user-supplied data and executes shell commands.
Review and harden the suid_exec program's source code (if available) to identify and fix the command injection vulnerability.
Implement a least-privilege model, ensuring that programs run with the minimum necessary privileges.
Regularly update and patch all software components, even on legacy systems, to address potential vulnerabilities.
Consider using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.