This event is generated when an attempt is made through a portmap GETPORT request to discover the port where the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) ypupdated is listening.
Impact
Information disclosure. This request is used to discover which port ypupdated is using. Attackers can also learn what versions of the ypupdated protocol are accepted by ypupdated.
Detailed Information
The portmapper service registers all RPC services on UNIX hosts. It can be queried to determine the port where RPC services such as ypupdated run. The ypupdated RPC service allows clients to update maps for Network Information Service (NIS), formerly known as Sun Yellow Pages. A vulnerability exists with improper validation associated with the 'make' command used to update changes, allowing the execution of arbitrary commands as root.
Affected Systems
HP HP-UX 10.1, 10.10, 10.20 IBM AIX 3.2, 4.1 NEC EWS-UX/V, UP-UX/V SGI IRIX 3.2, 3.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3,4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.0.3, 4.0.4, 4.0.5, 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.0.1 Sun SunOS 4.1, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4
Attack Scenarios
An attacker can query the portmapper to discover the port where ypupdated runs. This may be a precursor to accessing ypupdated.
Ease of Attack
Simple.
Corrective Action
Limit remote access to RPC services.
Filter RPC ports at the firewall to ensure access is denied to RPC-enabled machines.