Source: cve@mitre.org
Vulnerability in Support Watch (aka SupportWatch) in HP-UX 8.0 through 9.0 allows local users to gain privileges.
SupportWatch, a system monitoring tool in older HP-UX systems, contains a critical privilege escalation vulnerability. Successful exploitation grants local attackers unauthorized access with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations running vulnerable HP-UX versions.
Step 1: Identify Target: The attacker identifies a vulnerable HP-UX system running SupportWatch.
Step 2: Local Access: The attacker gains local access to the system, possibly through a compromised user account or physical access.
Step 3: Exploit Trigger: The attacker crafts a malicious input or command designed to exploit the SupportWatch vulnerability.
Step 4: Privilege Escalation: The crafted input triggers the vulnerability, causing SupportWatch to execute code with elevated privileges (e.g., root).
Step 5: System Compromise: The attacker uses the elevated privileges to gain unauthorized access, modify system files, install backdoors, or steal sensitive data.
The vulnerability stems from a flaw in how SupportWatch handles user input or system calls. The specific mechanism likely involves a privilege escalation scenario, where a local user can execute a crafted command or manipulate a configuration file to gain elevated privileges. This could be due to insecure file permissions, improper input validation, or a race condition in how SupportWatch processes requests. The root cause is likely a failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data, leading to the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Due to the age of the vulnerability, it's less likely to be actively targeted by sophisticated APTs. However, it could be exploited by less skilled attackers or used as part of a broader attack chain. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, likely due to the age of the affected systems.
Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to SupportWatch, including unusual command executions or file modifications.
Analyze process activity for SupportWatch and identify any unexpected child processes or privilege changes.
Review SupportWatch configuration files for any unauthorized modifications.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect changes to critical system files.
Network monitoring for any unusual activity originating from the affected systems.
Upgrade to a supported version of HP-UX that addresses the vulnerability. This is the most effective solution.
If upgrading is not feasible, apply any available security patches or workarounds provided by HP.
Restrict access to the SupportWatch service to only authorized users.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of a successful exploit.
Regularly audit system configurations and security settings.
Consider isolating vulnerable systems from the rest of the network to limit lateral movement.