CVE-2019-4473 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple binaries in IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition 7, 7R, and 8 on the AIX platform use insecure absolute RPATHs, which may facilitate code injection and privilege elevation by local users. IBM X-Force ID: 163984.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4473 affects IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition versions 7, 7R, and 8 running on the AIX operating system platform. This security flaw stems from the improper configuration of runtime paths in multiple binary components of the Java SDK, creating a significant vector for local privilege escalation and code injection attacks. The issue manifests through the use of insecure absolute RPATHs that are hardcoded into the binaries, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow and potentially gain elevated system privileges. This vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the software supply chain security model and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices that are fundamental to preventing unauthorized code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of absolute paths in the RPATH (runtime search path) configuration of Java binaries, which are typically set during the compilation process. When these absolute paths are not properly sanitized or secured, they create opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code through path manipulation techniques. The insecure RPATH configuration allows local users to influence the dynamic linker's behavior by placing malicious libraries in directories that are searched before the legitimate system libraries. This creates a scenario where the system will load and execute attacker-controlled code instead of the intended legitimate code, effectively bypassing security controls and potentially escalating privileges to root or administrative levels. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-428, which describes insecure RPATH implementations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through insecure library loading mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized privilege elevation. Local users who can manipulate the runtime environment can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected processes, which often run with elevated permissions. This creates a significant risk for systems where the Java SDK is installed with default configurations, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to the system. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but also system services that rely on the Java SDK, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire server environments. Organizations using IBM SDK for Java on AIX platforms face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-4473 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining IBM SDK installations on AIX systems. The primary recommendation involves updating to patched versions of the IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition, as provided by IBM through their security advisories and regular patch management procedures. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring to detect suspicious library loading activities and consider implementing additional security controls such as file system permissions, integrity checking mechanisms, and privilege separation techniques. System hardening practices including the removal of unnecessary binaries, implementation of secure coding standards for future development, and regular security audits should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the software stack. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following security best practices such as avoiding hardcoded absolute paths in favor of relative paths or properly configured secure runtime environments as outlined in industry standards and security frameworks.