CVE-2005-2237 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the swcons command in IBM AIX 5.3, and possibly other versions, might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2237 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the swcons command of IBM AIX 5.3 operating system. This flaw exists in the command line argument processing mechanism where the swcons utility fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in format string operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the software console utility that handles system console operations and command execution within the AIX environment. Given that this is a local privilege escalation vector, attackers with low-privilege user accounts can exploit this weakness to gain elevated system privileges and execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions. The affected system components include the console management functionality and associated command processing modules that handle user input through command line arguments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the swcons command receives command line arguments that contain format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x without proper validation. When these malformed arguments are processed through insecure printf or similar functions, the format string vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory contents, potentially leading to stack corruption, arbitrary code execution, or information disclosure. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient sanitization of user-supplied arguments before they are passed to format string functions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 classification for format string vulnerabilities, which is categorized under the broader weakness of improper input validation and unsafe string handling practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2237 is significant within enterprise environments running IBM AIX 5.3 systems, as it provides local attackers with a direct path to privilege escalation and system compromise. Once exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not properly enforced. Security implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential information leakage through stack memory disclosure and the possibility of creating persistent access mechanisms that survive system reboots.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected IBM AIX systems through official security updates from IBM. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls and sanitize all command line arguments before processing them in any format string operations. The remediation approach should include disabling or restricting access to the swcons utility where possible, implementing proper privilege separation, and monitoring system logs for suspicious command line argument patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, and intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and command and control operations, requiring defensive measures that address both local execution and post-compromise persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in system utilities and kernel-level components.