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AUSCERT External Security Bulletin Redistribution
ESB-2009.0361 -- [AIX]
IBM AIX: Root Compromise
16 April 2009
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AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
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Product: AIX
Publisher: iDefense
Operating System: AIX
Impact: Root Compromise
Access: Existing Account
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iDefense Security Advisory 04.15.09
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Apr 15, 2009
I. BACKGROUND
IBM's AIX is a Unix operating system based on System V, which runs on
the PowerPC (PPC) architecture. For more information, visit the product
web site at the following URL.
http://www.ibm.com/systems/power/software/aix/index.html
II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM Corp.'s
Advanced Interactive eXecutive (AIX) could allow an attacker to gain
root privileges.
The set-uid root binary "muxatmd" concatenates the calling program name
with the static string ".pid". The destination buffer passed to the
function call used for concatenation is a static-sized stack buffer.
Since no bounds checking is performed, a stack-based buffer overflow
can occur when a long program name is given.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation of this issue allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code
as root. An attacker would need to construct a malicious application
that runs the "muxatmd" program with a malformed parameter.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in IBM
Corp.'s AIX version 5.3 (5300-09-02-0849). Other versions may also be
affected.
V. WORKAROUND
Removing the set-uid bit from the "/usr/sbin/muxatmd" binary will
provide a workaround for this issue. However, this will make the
program unusable for non-root users.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
IBM has released a patch which addresses this issue. For more
information, consult their advisory at the following URL:
http://aix.software.ibm.com/aix/efixes/security/muxatmd_advisory.asc
VII. CVE INFORMATION
A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
12/16/2008 - Initial Vendor Notification
12/16/2008 - Requested PoC
01/06/2009 - PoC Sent
04/15/2009 - Coordinated Public Disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php
Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com/
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2009 iDefense, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically,
please e-mail customerservice@idefense.com for permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.
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