CVE-2008-1600 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
The lsmcode program on IBM AIX 5.2, 5.3, and 6.1 does not properly handle environment variables, which allows local users to gain privileges, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1329.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1600 affects the lsmcode program on IBM AIX operating systems version 5.2, 5.3, and 6.1, representing a privilege escalation flaw that stems from improper environment variable handling. This issue allows local attackers to elevate their privileges within the system, creating a significant security risk that differs from previously documented vulnerabilities such as CVE-2004-1329. The lsmcode program serves as a utility for managing system code and security attributes, making it a critical component within the AIX security framework that requires careful handling of environmental contexts.
The technical flaw manifests in the program's failure to properly sanitize or validate environment variables during execution, creating a potential attack vector through which malicious users can manipulate the program's behavior. This improper handling typically occurs when the program directly incorporates user-controllable environment variables into its execution path without adequate validation or isolation mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of environment variable manipulation attacks that can lead to privilege escalation by allowing attackers to inject malicious code or alter program execution flow through carefully crafted environment settings.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a serious concern for AIX system administrators as it enables local users to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or compromise the integrity of the entire operating environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only local access to exploit, meaning that any user with legitimate access to the system could potentially leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges to root or administrative levels. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is critical for maintaining system security.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. These weaknesses together create a pathway for privilege escalation through environment variable manipulation that can be exploited using techniques aligned with the attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation category. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches, reviewing and hardening environment variable handling in the affected program, and implementing proper privilege separation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous environment variable usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other programs within the AIX environment exhibit similar vulnerable behaviors.