CVE-2007-4797 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in unspecified svprint (System V print) commands in bos.svprint.rte in IBM AIX 5.2 and 5.3 allow local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4797 represents a critical security flaw within the System V print subsystem of IBM AIX operating systems versions 5.2 and 5.3. This issue manifests through multiple buffer overflow conditions affecting the svprint commands that are part of the bos.svprint.rte package, which forms a fundamental component of AIX's printing infrastructure. The buffer overflows occur in the svprint utilities that handle print job processing and system print management functions, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by local malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the svprint command implementations where insufficient input validation allows attackers to provide oversized data inputs that exceed allocated buffer memory boundaries. These buffer overflow conditions typically occur when the system processes print job parameters or command line arguments without adequate length restrictions or memory allocation checks. The flaw enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the print subsystem processes. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically representing heap-based or stack-based buffer overflows that can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4797 is significant for organizations running IBM AIX 5.2 and 5.3 systems, as local users with minimal privileges can potentially escalate their access to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability does not require network connectivity or remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any user with access to the local system. Attackers could exploit this condition to execute malicious code with the privileges of the print subsystem processes, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface extends to any application or user interaction with the svprint commands, including print job submissions, printer configuration changes, or system print management operations. This vulnerability directly maps to the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local persistence and privilege escalation through system service manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from IBM as the primary remediation measure, given that the flaw exists within core system utilities. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor print job submissions for anomalous behavior. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of svprint utilities to authorized users only. Additionally, the security posture should include regular vulnerability assessments targeting system print services and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation approach aligns with the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring that even if exploitation were to occur, the attack surface would be minimized through proper access controls and system hardening measures. Organizations should also maintain detailed logging of print subsystem activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and implement proper system updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the environment.