CVE-2007-5804 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
cfgcon in IBM AIX 5.2 and 5.3 does not properly validate the argument to the "-p" option to swcons, which allows local users in the system group to create or overwrite an arbitrary file, and enable world writability of this file, by using the file s name as the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5804 resides within the configuration console utility cfgcon in IBM AIX versions 5.2 and 5.3. This flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation that enables privilege escalation through file system manipulation. The issue specifically affects the swcons command's handling of the "-p" option, where the argument validation mechanism fails to properly sanitize user input, creating a path traversal and file manipulation vulnerability that can be exploited by local users belonging to the system group.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper argument validation within the cfgcon utility. When a user provides a filename as an argument to the "-p" option of swcons, the system does not adequately verify the input before processing it. This validation failure allows malicious users to specify arbitrary file paths that can result in either creating new files or overwriting existing ones with world-writable permissions. The vulnerability operates at the system level where local users with membership in the system group can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized control over file system objects.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant security risk as it allows local privilege escalation within the confines of the system group membership. The ability to create or overwrite arbitrary files with world-writable permissions creates potential attack vectors for persistent access, data corruption, or privilege elevation. The impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as the world-writable permission setting can enable other users or processes to modify or replace critical system files, potentially leading to system compromise or denial of service conditions. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, which are fundamental weaknesses in input validation that allow attackers to manipulate file system access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques focusing on privilege escalation and persistence. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish backdoors or modify system configuration files that may be read during system boot or operation, thereby maintaining access even after system restarts. The vulnerability also supports file system manipulation tactics that can be used to corrupt system integrity or create malicious file replacements that execute with elevated privileges. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of broader security assessments that examine local privilege escalation vectors and file system access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5804 should focus on immediate patch application from IBM, as the vulnerability exists within the core system utilities of AIX 5.2 and 5.3. System administrators should implement strict access controls limiting membership in the system group to only those users requiring such privileges. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file creation or modification patterns in system directories can help detect exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verification that the swcons utility properly validates all input arguments and that no arbitrary file access is permitted through the "-p" option. Organizations should also review their overall system hardening practices to prevent unauthorized local access that could lead to exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other system utilities.