CVE-2005-1182 in OS400
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Incoming Remote Command (iSeries Access for Windows Remote Command service) in IBM OS/400 R510, R520, and R530 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (IRC shutdown) via certain inputs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1182 resides within the Incoming Remote Command service of IBM OS/400 systems running versions R510, R520, and R530. This service, known as iSeries Access for Windows Remote Command, provides remote administrative capabilities to IBM System i servers. The flaw manifests as an insufficient input validation mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or process specific types of command inputs. When maliciously crafted data is transmitted to the remote command service, the system processes these inputs without adequate boundary checking or data validation, leading to unpredictable behavior. This vulnerability specifically impacts the remote command execution functionality, which is critical for system administration and maintenance operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and CWE-134, which covers format string vulnerabilities. The flaw operates by exploiting the service's failure to validate the length and content of incoming commands before processing them. Attackers can construct specially formatted input sequences that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions within the remote command handler. The system's response to these malformed inputs results in an abrupt termination of the remote command service, effectively causing a denial of service condition that renders the system's remote administrative capabilities unavailable.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to IBM System i environments that rely on remote command execution for routine maintenance, monitoring, and administrative tasks. The denial of service impact means that authorized administrators may lose access to critical system management functions, potentially disrupting business operations and requiring manual intervention to restore service. The vulnerability affects systems that are typically accessible over network connections, making it exploitable from remote locations without requiring physical access. This characteristic increases the attack surface and potential impact, as attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the network.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves sending specifically crafted commands to the iSeries Access for Windows Remote Command service port. The service processes these inputs without proper validation, leading to system instability and shutdown. Organizations using these older IBM OS/400 versions face particular risk since these releases are no longer supported with current security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in network services and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in service handling can result in complete service disruption. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation, applying available security patches, and considering network segmentation to limit exposure of critical administrative services. Additionally, monitoring for unusual command patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate denial of service conditions. It represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can create security weaknesses in enterprise systems, particularly those with long operational lifecycles. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under the T1499 category for Network Denial of Service, specifically targeting remote administration services. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a comprehensive security posture assessment, particularly for legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security practices even for systems that have reached end-of-life status, as these systems remain attractive targets for attackers seeking to exploit known vulnerabilities.