CVE-2005-0262 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ipl_varyon on AIX 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -d argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0262 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ipl_varyon utility on IBM AIX operating systems version 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. This issue arises from inadequate input validation when processing command line arguments, specifically the -d parameter, which creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code within the system context. The ipl_varyon utility is designed for system initialization and variation management, making it a critical component that requires careful security consideration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking in the argument parsing mechanism of the ipl_varyon program. When a local user provides an excessively long argument to the -d flag, the program fails to validate the input length against the allocated buffer space, resulting in a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. This flaw allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and program control structures, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with a path to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected AIX systems. Since the vulnerability exists within a system utility, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify system configurations, install backdoors, or establish persistent access. The affected versions of AIX 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 represent enterprise-level systems where such vulnerabilities could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to critical business infrastructure. The local execution requirement means that an attacker must already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation aspect makes this a particularly dangerous flaw for any system with local user access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0262 should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, as the vendor has released security updates to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures and consider disabling unnecessary system utilities when possible. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit local user access to critical system components, while monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual command line argument patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other system utilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted binaries and maintain comprehensive system logging to track potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in system-level utilities, particularly those with elevated privileges.