CVE-2006-0133 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in AIX 5.3 ML03 allow local users to determine the existence of files and read partial contents of certain files via a .. (dot dot) in the argument to (1) getCommand.new (aka getCommand) and (2) getShell, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-4273.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0133 represents a significant directory traversal flaw affecting AIX 5.3 ML03 systems, specifically targeting the getCommand.new and getShell utilities. This issue enables local attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms within these system components, allowing them to navigate the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied arguments passed to these utilities, creating opportunities for malicious file system navigation through the use of dot-dot sequences in command parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of weak input validation in the getCommand.new and getShell functions, which fail to properly sanitize or restrict path traversal sequences. When these utilities receive arguments containing .. sequences, they process them without adequate boundary checking, potentially allowing access to files outside the intended directory scope. This flaw specifically affects the argument handling mechanism of these utilities, where the system does not adequately validate or filter path components that could enable directory traversal operations. The vulnerability manifests as a path traversal condition that can be leveraged to probe the file system structure and potentially read partial contents of restricted files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious security risk for AIX systems running version 5.3 ML03, as local users can exploit it to gain unauthorized knowledge of file system structure and access partial contents of sensitive files. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially provide attackers with insights into system configuration, file permissions, and the presence of critical system files. This information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation attempts or targeted exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's local nature means it requires an attacker to already have access to the system, but it significantly amplifies their capabilities within the compromised environment.
The security implications of CVE-2006-0133 align with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This vulnerability also relates to the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as attackers can use information gathering through directory traversal to better understand system configurations and potentially identify other exploitable weaknesses. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching affected AIX systems to ML04 or higher, implementing proper input validation controls, and conducting comprehensive system audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should review and tighten access controls to prevent unauthorized local access, as the vulnerability requires local system access to exploit. The remediation approach should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.