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Hewlett-Packard HP-UX SLSd Arbitrary File Creation Vulnerability

BACKGROUND

Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX introduced "Single Logical Screen" (SLS) in 1995 to facilitate using multiple graphics devices on a single desktop. Distributed SLS, or SLS/d, extends SLS to allow the utilization of graphics devices within multiple computer systems. More information is available at the following URL.

http://docs.hp.com/en/B2355-90142/ch05s03.html

DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a design error within Hewlett-Packard's "SLSd" daemon could allow an attacker to execute privileges as the superuser.

The problem specifically exists due to a design error within the "SLSd_daemon" RPC daemon that provides connectivity between the distributed systems. This daemon registers itself under the RPC PROGID of 536870913 or 351456, depending on the HP-UX version. By sending a specially crafted request, the daemon will write attacker supplied data to an arbitrary file as the superuser.

ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker to gain superuser privileges by overwriting select files such as .rhosts, cron scripts, or other files used for authentication.

DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability within the "SLSd_daemon" binary as shipped with HP-UX 11.11i and 10.20. All versions are suspected to be vulnerable.

WORKAROUND

Employ firewalls to limit access to the affected system to reduce exposure to this vulnerability. If you are not using Distrubuted SLS, disable the SLSd_daemon.

VENDOR RESPONSE

Hewlett-Packard has addressed this vulnerability with HP Security Advisory HPSBUX02191. More information is available at the following URL.

http://www1.itrc.hp.com/service/cki/docDisplay.do?docId=c00862809

CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not been assigned yet.

DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

01/30/2007 Initial vendor notification
01/30/2007 Initial vendor response
02/13/2007 Coordinated public disclosure

CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 Verisign, Inc.

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