CVE-2001-1330 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in rsh on AIX 4.2.0.0 may allow local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1330 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the remote shell utility rsh on AIX 4.2.0.0 systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the rsh implementation where command line arguments are processed without proper bounds checking. The flaw specifically manifests when local users provide excessively long command line arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating a condition where adjacent memory locations become overwritten. Such buffer overflow conditions are classified under CWE-121 as insufficient buffer protection, making them particularly dangerous as they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides local attackers with a direct pathway to achieve root access on affected AIX systems. When a user executes rsh with a specially crafted command line argument that exceeds the buffer capacity, the overflow can overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and system control structures. This allows malicious users to manipulate the program execution flow and effectively bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where AIX systems may be running with default configurations that do not adequately restrict local user access to system commands.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain root or administrator access. The exploitability of this flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation issues in system utilities can create significant security risks, especially when considering that rsh was designed for remote administration but also operates locally. The vulnerability presents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to inject malicious code that executes with root privileges. Organizations running AIX 4.2.0.0 systems should recognize this as a critical vulnerability requiring immediate remediation.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow requires a deep understanding of the target system's memory layout and the ability to craft payloads that can successfully overwrite program execution control flow. Attackers typically need to carefully construct command line arguments that will cause precise memory corruption, often requiring knowledge of the specific buffer size and memory organization on the target AIX system. This type of vulnerability is particularly challenging to defend against as it operates at the system level and can be difficult to detect through standard network monitoring tools. The remediation strategy involves applying vendor patches that implement proper bounds checking and input validation, while also implementing system hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services and restricting local user privileges to minimize potential attack surfaces.