Rapid7

module

Solaris libnspr NSPR_LOG_FILE Privilege Escalation

Disclosed
Oct 11, 2006

Description

This module exploits an arbitrary file write vulnerability in the
Netscape Portable Runtime library (libnspr) on unpatched Solaris systems
prior to Solaris 10u3 which allows users to gain root privileges.

libnspr versions prior to 4.6.3 allow users to specify a log file with
the `NSPR_LOG_FILE` environment variable. The log file is created with
the privileges of the running process, resulting in privilege escalation
when used in combination with a SUID executable.

This module writes a shared object to the trusted library directory
`/usr/lib/secure` and runs the specified SUID binary with the shared
object loaded using the `LD_LIBRARY_PATH` environment variable.

This module has been tested successfully with libnspr version 4.5.1
on Solaris 10u1 (01/06) (x86) and Solaris 10u2 (06/06) (x86).
Title
Rapid7 Labs

2026 Global Threat Landscape Report

The predictive window has collapsed. Exploitation follows disclosure in days. See how attackers are accelerating and how to stay ahead.