CVE-2004-1330 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in paginit in AIX 5.1 through 5.3 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1330 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the paginit component of IBM AIX operating systems version 5.1 through 5.3. This flaw exists in the way the system handles user authentication and initialization processes, specifically when processing username inputs during the paginit phase of system operation. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the length of username data being processed by the paginit function. This particular vulnerability resides in the system's core authentication infrastructure and affects the foundational user management capabilities of the AIX operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the paginit function where a fixed-size buffer is used to store username data without adequate validation of input length. When a local user provides an excessively long username string, the system fails to enforce length limitations, causing the buffer to overflow into adjacent memory regions. This condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution because the overflow can overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or function pointers within the execution stack. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow, which aligns with CWE-121, and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory safety practices that violates secure coding principles. The attack vector requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that could be exploited by users with basic system login credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges and potentially achieve complete system compromise. Local users who can log into the system can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions during initialization. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where AIX systems may be running critical applications and services. This vulnerability directly impacts system integrity and confidentiality, as it allows unauthorized code execution that could lead to data exfiltration, system modification, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of AIX systems and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on these platforms for business-critical operations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1330 should include immediate patch deployment from IBM to address the buffer overflow in the paginit component, along with comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations must implement proper input validation mechanisms and ensure that all user-provided data undergoes length restrictions before processing. System administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of authentication events to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability requires careful attention to system update schedules and security patch management protocols to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also review their access control policies and ensure that only authorized users have local login access to critical systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in system components, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar issues in other system functions. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations and applications.