CVE-2011-1375 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
IBM AIX 6.1 and 7.1 does not restrict the wpar_limits_config and wpar_limits_modify system calls, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1375 affects IBM AIX operating systems version 6.1 and 7.1, specifically targeting the wpar_limits_config and wpar_limits_modify system calls. These system calls are part of the Workload Partitions (WPARs) functionality that enables resource management and isolation within AIX environments. The flaw represents a critical security oversight where proper input validation and access control mechanisms are absent, allowing local attackers with system-level privileges to exploit these interfaces without restriction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the kernel-level system calls. When local users execute crafted calls to wpar_limits_config and wpar_limits_modify, they can manipulate memory structures and resource limits in ways that were not anticipated by the system design. This lack of proper bounds checking and input sanitization creates a pathway for arbitrary memory corruption that ultimately leads to system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's handling of resource limit configurations, where malformed parameters can cause memory access violations, null pointer dereferences, or buffer overflows that result in kernel panics.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to system availability and stability within enterprise environments that rely on AIX for mission-critical workloads. The denial of service condition can result in complete system crashes requiring manual intervention and system restarts, potentially causing extended downtime for applications and services. The local privilege requirement means that attackers must already have access to the system, but this access could be gained through various attack vectors including credential theft, privilege escalation, or social engineering techniques. Organizations using AIX systems with WPAR functionality are particularly vulnerable as this affects core system management capabilities.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software, and CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004, which covers network disruption by service exhaustion, and T1068, which involves exploitation of a remote service to gain privileges. The attack surface is primarily focused on local system users who can leverage these system calls to cause system instability, making it a significant concern for system administrators who must ensure proper access controls and monitoring of system call usage. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual system call patterns and establish proper access controls to limit the potential for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of vendor security patches and updates to address the specific kernel vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized system call usage and establish strict access controls for WPAR management functionality. The principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize potential impact from compromised accounts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in system call interfaces. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with system call manipulation, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.