CVE-2010-3406 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in sa_snap in the bos.esagent fileset in IBM AIX 5.3 allows local users to leverage system group membership and delete files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3406 resides within the sa_snap component of IBM AIX 5.3's bos.esagent fileset, representing a significant security weakness that enables local attackers to escalate privileges and manipulate system resources. This unspecified flaw operates at the system group membership level, allowing authenticated users with specific group affiliations to execute destructive actions against system files. The vulnerability's nature suggests a privilege escalation vector that leverages existing group permissions rather than requiring complete system compromise.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unknown vectors that involve the manipulation of system group memberships to gain elevated privileges. The sa_snap utility, which typically handles snapshot operations for system administration, contains a flaw that permits local users to delete files through mechanisms that bypass normal access controls. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking where group membership alone provides sufficient leverage to perform unauthorized file deletion operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and file system manipulation, with potential implications for system integrity and availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as local users with appropriate group membership can compromise system stability and data integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness to remove critical system files, potentially leading to system instability, service disruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of IBM AIX 5.3 by allowing unauthorized file manipulation through legitimate system utilities. This weakness undermines the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to escalate their access level within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3406 should focus on immediate patching of the affected IBM AIX 5.3 systems through official IBM security updates. System administrators must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify users with problematic group memberships that could exploit this weakness. The implementation of mandatory access controls and regular audit procedures can help detect unauthorized file deletion attempts. Organizations should also consider restricting group membership assignments and implementing proper file system permissions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and file deletion operations. Regular system monitoring and security hardening procedures are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.