CVE-2002-1548 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in autofs on AIX 4.3.0, when using executable maps, allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root, possibly related to "string handling around how the executable map is called."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1548 represents a critical security flaw within the autofs implementation on AIX 4.3.0 systems that specifically manifests when executable maps are utilized. This issue stems from improper string handling mechanisms that govern how executable maps are invoked within the autofs framework, creating a potential privilege escalation vector that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The autofs service, designed to automatically mount filesystems when accessed, becomes a dangerous attack surface when compromised through this string handling vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of string parameters within the executable map processing logic. When autofs encounters a request to process an executable map, the flawed string handling routines fail to properly validate or sanitize input parameters, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious command sequences that get executed with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of command injection attacks and aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The root cause lies in the insufficient input validation and sanitization processes that should occur before executing any commands derived from map parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security of AIX systems running affected autofs versions. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where autofs typically runs with elevated privileges, and the exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond triggering the specific map processing scenario. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and represents a classic path to system compromise through service misconfiguration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1548 should focus on immediate patching of the AIX autofs implementation to address the string handling flaws in executable map processing. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to autofs services and disable executable maps when not strictly required for operations. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual autofs activity, implementing strict access controls on map files, and regularly auditing system configurations to prevent unauthorized modifications to the autofs setup. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive testing of updated systems to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate autofs functionality while effectively closing the privilege escalation pathway.