CVE-2008-5387 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in autoconf6 in IBM AIX 6.1.0 through 6.1.2, when Role-Based Access Control is enabled, allows local users with aix.network.config.tcpip authorization to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5387 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the autoconf6 component of IBM AIX operating system versions 6.1.0 through 6.1.2. This security weakness specifically manifests when Role-Based Access Control mechanisms are active within the system environment. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning as it targets a core system utility that manages network configuration parameters, making it a prime candidate for privilege escalation attacks within the targeted IBM AIX infrastructure. The flaw exists in the autoconf6 utility which is responsible for configuring network parameters and system services, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the autoconf6 utility's handling of input parameters when Role-Based Access Control is enabled. Attackers with the specific authorization aix.network.config.tcpip can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The underlying mechanism involves insufficient bounds checking on user-supplied data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the program's execution space. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, effectively enabling privilege escalation from the limited network configuration rights to full system administrative privileges. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 indicates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient input validation permits memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it compromises the fundamental integrity of IBM AIX systems running the affected versions. Local users with minimal network configuration rights can potentially gain complete system control, undermining the security model that Role-Based Access Control is designed to enforce. This weakness creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where multiple users may possess varying levels of system access, as the vulnerability could be exploited to bypass security controls that are otherwise effective against unauthorized access attempts. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only a specific authorization level rather than elevated privileges, making it accessible to users who should normally be restricted from system-level modifications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5387 should prioritize immediate system updates to the latest IBM AIX patches and service levels that address this specific buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by carefully reviewing and restricting the aix.network.config.tcpip authorization to only those users who absolutely require this specific capability. System administrators should also consider disabling Role-Based Access Control mechanisms when possible, or implementing additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on exploiting legitimate credentials and system access rights to escalate privileges, making it essential for security teams to monitor for suspicious privilege escalation activities and maintain comprehensive audit trails for all network configuration changes. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation by limiting the scope of access that could be gained through this vulnerability.