CVE-2023-45168 in AIX
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2023
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the invscout command to execute arbitrary commands. IBM X-Force ID: 267966.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45168 affects IBM AIX operating systems version 7.2 and 7.3, as well as IBM VIOS version 3.1, presenting a critical security risk through the invscout command. This command is designed for system inventory and scout operations within the AIX environment, making it a fundamental component for system administration and monitoring tasks. The flaw arises from improper input validation and handling within the command execution framework, creating an avenue for privilege escalation that could be exploited by local users without elevated permissions. The vulnerability specifically targets the command-line interface functionality of the invscout utility, which is commonly used by system administrators for gathering system information and performing inventory checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied arguments passed to the invscout command. When a local user executes the command with crafted input parameters, the system fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before processing them within a shell context. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, commonly known as OS command injection. The vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the privileges of the invscout process, potentially escalating to root access depending on how the command is invoked and configured within the system environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the AIX system. Local users who can execute the invscout command can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the invscout command is frequently used by system administrators for routine inventory tasks, making it a commonly accessible entry point. An attacker could use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive system information, modify system configurations, or disable security controls. The vulnerability's local nature means that attackers do not require network access or specialized tools to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is more prevalent.
Organizations running affected IBM AIX and VIOS systems should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that correct the input validation issues within the invscout command. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting access to the invscout command through access control lists or file permissions, particularly for non-privileged users. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring system logs for suspicious invscout command usage patterns and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.004 for the execution of commands through shell interfaces and T1548.003 for privilege escalation through local commands. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems are updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and requires immediate attention from security teams to prevent potential unauthorized access and system compromise.