CVE-2007-3680 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the odm_searchpath function in libodm in IBM AIX 5.2.0 and 5.3.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long ODMPATH environment variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3680 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting IBM AIX operating systems version 5.2.0 and 5.3.0. This flaw exists within the odm_searchpath function located in the libodm library, which serves as a core component for managing object data manager operations in AIX environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the ODMPATH environment variable, creating a condition where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted long input values to overflow the designated stack buffer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the odm_searchpath function that processes the ODMPATH environment variable. When a local user sets an excessively long ODMPATH value, the function fails to validate the input length against the allocated stack buffer size, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This type of buffer overflow falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where the vulnerability occurs in stack memory allocation and is classified as a local privilege escalation vector due to its requirement for local user access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain elevated privileges within the AIX system. Since the vulnerability requires local user access but can potentially escalate privileges, it represents a significant threat to system integrity and confidentiality. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where AIX systems may be running with elevated privileges or where local access could be gained through various attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3680 should focus on immediate patch deployment from IBM, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates for AIX 5.2.0 and 5.3.0 versions. System administrators should also implement environment variable length restrictions and input validation measures to prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual ODMPATH environment variable usage patterns can serve as an early detection mechanism. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under the T1068 and T1059 attack patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other system components.