CVE-2005-4272 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in IBM AIX 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) muxatmd and (2) slocal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4272 represents a critical security flaw affecting IBM AIX operating system versions 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflows within system components that are accessible over network connections, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors. The affected components include muxatmd and slocal utilities which are part of the AIX operating system's network services infrastructure. These buffer overflow conditions occur when the system processes malformed input data through these network-facing applications, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core system utilities that handle network communication, making it exploitable from remote locations without requiring local access or authentication. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data structures. The attack vector is categorized as network-based remote exploitation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage these buffer overflows to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially establishing persistent backdoors or exfiltrating sensitive data. The affected utilities muxatmd and slocal are typically involved in network protocol handling and local service management respectively, making them prime targets for remote code execution attacks. IBM AIX versions 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 were widely deployed in enterprise environments, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability across numerous organizational networks. The nature of buffer overflows in these system components means that even a single malformed packet could trigger the vulnerability, making detection and prevention challenging. The exploitation requires no specialized knowledge of system internals beyond understanding standard network protocols, which makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. Organizations running these AIX versions face significant risk of unauthorized system access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise without requiring physical access or user credentials. Remediation efforts must focus on applying official IBM security patches and updates to address these specific buffer overflow conditions in the affected system utilities. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while patches are deployed, as the vulnerability exists in core network services that are essential for system operation. The long-term security posture requires regular vulnerability assessments and proactive patch management to prevent similar issues from arising in other system components that may be similarly vulnerable to buffer overflow attacks.