Source: cve@mitre.org
Vulnerability in sgihelp in the SGI help system and print manager in IRIX 5.2 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges, possibly through the clogin command.
Critical vulnerability in SGI IRIX systems allows local users to escalate privileges to root, granting complete control of the affected system. This flaw, present in the sgihelp and print manager components, can be exploited through the clogin command, potentially leading to system compromise and data breaches.
Step 1: Local Access: An attacker gains local access to the vulnerable IRIX system, either through a compromised account or physical access.
Step 2: Vulnerability Identification: The attacker identifies the presence of the vulnerable sgihelp and print manager components on the system.
Step 3: Payload Crafting: The attacker crafts a malicious payload designed to exploit the vulnerability, likely targeting the clogin command or related scripts.
Step 4: Payload Delivery: The attacker executes the payload, potentially through a crafted command or interaction with the sgihelp system.
Step 5: Privilege Escalation: The crafted payload exploits the vulnerability, leading to the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges.
Step 6: System Compromise: The attacker gains complete control of the system, including the ability to read, modify, and delete data, and install backdoors.
The vulnerability stems from a combination of factors within the sgihelp and print manager components, specifically related to how they handle user input and execute privileged commands. The exact mechanism likely involves a format string vulnerability or command injection flaw within the clogin command or related helper scripts. These flaws allow a local user to craft malicious input that, when processed by a privileged process, leads to the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization is the root cause, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow and gain unauthorized access.
Due to the age of the vulnerability, specific APT groups are unlikely to be actively targeting it. However, any threat actor with access to legacy exploits could potentially leverage this vulnerability. This vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to sgihelp, print manager, and clogin commands.
Analyze process execution for unexpected privilege escalation attempts.
Examine system files for modifications to critical system binaries or configuration files.
Network traffic analysis for any unusual activity originating from the affected system.
Isolate and segment the affected IRIX systems from the rest of the network.
Upgrade to a supported version of IRIX or a modern operating system. This is the most effective remediation.
Apply security patches and updates if available for the IRIX version.
Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for suspicious activity.
Consider using a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) to monitor for malicious activity.