CVE-2001-0671 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in (1) send_status, (2) kill_print, and (3) chk_fhost in lpd in AIX 4.3 and 5.1 allow remote attackers to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0671 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting the line printer daemon lpd on IBM AIX operating systems version 4.3 and 5.1. This flaw exists within three distinct functions: send_status, kill_print, and chk_fhost, all of which are part of the core printing services functionality. The buffer overflow conditions arise from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when processing network requests from remote clients, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the lpd daemon's network processing routines. When remote clients send specially crafted print job requests or status queries, the lpd service fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects functions that handle network communications, meaning remote exploitation is possible without requiring local access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-0671 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to achieve complete system compromise. Successful exploitation results in privilege escalation to root level, granting attackers full control over the affected AIX systems. This includes the ability to modify system files, install malicious software, create new user accounts, and access sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability affects critical printing services that are often accessible from external networks, making it particularly attractive to attackers targeting enterprise environments where AIX systems may be exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, the remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how network services can become attack vectors for privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in daemon processes that handle external network communications. Organizations running AIX 4.3 and 5.1 systems should prioritize immediate patching and implementation of network segmentation controls to prevent unauthorized access to the lpd service. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated privileges through exploitation of service vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious print job activity and network connections to the lpd service, as these may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.