CVE-2002-1620 in AIX Parallel Systems Support Programs
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in IBM AIX Parallel Systems Support Programs (PSSP) 3.1.1, 3.2, and 3.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from a file collection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1620 affects IBM AIX Parallel Systems Support Programs version 3.1.1, 3.2, and 3.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files within a file collection system. This vulnerability resides within the parallel systems support programs framework that governs distributed computing environments on IBM AIX operating systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise networks that rely on these parallel processing capabilities. The flaw specifically impacts the file access controls and authentication mechanisms implemented within these PSSP versions, creating an unauthorized data access pathway that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control enforcement within the file collection services. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate file path references or authentication tokens, allowing them to traverse file system boundaries and retrieve sensitive data without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to arbitrary file access. The vulnerability exists in the communication protocols used by PSSP components, particularly when processing file requests from remote clients, where proper validation of file paths and user credentials fails to prevent malicious path manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to access system configuration files, user credentials, application data, and potentially sensitive business information stored within the file collection system. Organizations utilizing these affected PSSP versions face significant risks including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential system compromise through the acquisition of sensitive system files that could aid in further attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or network to exploit it, making it particularly attractive for cybercriminals targeting enterprise environments. This vulnerability can also facilitate lateral movement within networks where AIX systems are interconnected, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with access to additional systems that share similar file collections or configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1620 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM AIX systems with the appropriate security updates released by IBM. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running the affected PSSP versions and ensure proper firewall rules are implemented to restrict access to file collection services. The remediation process should include validating that all authentication mechanisms are properly configured and that file access controls are enforced at multiple layers of the system architecture. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known exploitation patterns can help identify and respond to attempts to leverage this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to minimize the impact of potential compromise and establish comprehensive incident response procedures specifically addressing this type of arbitrary file access vulnerability.