CVE-2014-3977 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE
libodm.a in IBM AIX 6.1 and 7.1, and VIOS 2.2.x, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2012-2179.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-3977 represents a significant security flaw in the IBM AIX operating system versions 6.1 and 7.1, as well as VIOS 2.2.x, specifically within the libodm.a library component. This issue constitutes a symlink attack vulnerability that enables local attackers to overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it stems from an incomplete remediation of a previous security issue, CVE-2012-2179, demonstrating how poorly executed fixes can create persistent security risks that remain exploitable over time.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of temporary files within the libodm.a library, which is part of IBM's Object Data Manager system used for managing system configuration data. When applications or system processes create temporary files, they often use predictable naming conventions or fail to properly validate file paths before creating or writing to these temporary locations. Attackers can exploit this by creating symbolic links in strategic locations that will be accessed by the vulnerable library during its normal operations, thereby redirecting write operations to arbitrary files on the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-377 weakness category, specifically CWE-377: Insecure Temporary File, which is classified as a high-risk issue due to its potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for IBM AIX and VIOS environments, as local users with minimal privileges can potentially escalate their access and compromise system integrity. The attack vector requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is not strictly controlled. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, configuration data, or even executable components, potentially leading to system instability, unauthorized privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple IBM AIX versions and VIOS releases indicates that it represents a systemic issue within the system's file handling mechanisms rather than an isolated incident.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that temporary file creation follows secure practices. System administrators should immediately apply the official IBM security patches that address this specific vulnerability, as the incomplete fix for CVE-2012-2179 was not sufficient to prevent exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file permission controls, using secure temporary file creation methods that avoid predictable naming, and monitoring for suspicious symlink creation patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques and regularly auditing system configurations to prevent unauthorized file overwrites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for privilege escalation and T1078 for valid accounts, as it exploits legitimate system processes to gain elevated privileges through file system manipulation rather than direct exploitation of system vulnerabilities.