Subject: iDEFENSE Security Advisory 02.10.05: IBM AIX lspath Local File Access Vulnerability
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 10:59:01 -0500
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IBM AIX lspath Local File Access Vulnerability
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 02.10.05
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=3D195&type=3Dvulnerabilities
February 10, 2005
I. BACKGROUND
The lspath program is a setuid root application, installed by default=20
under newer versions of IBM AIX. It is used to display information about
MultiPath I/O devices.=20
II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of a file access vulnerability in the lspath command=20
included by default in multiple versions of IBM Corp.'s AIX operating=20
system could allow for the reading of one line of any file on the=20
system, regardless of permissions.=20
The problem specifically exists in the -f option. If a user specifies a=20
file with the -f option, the first line (up to the first space) in that=20
file will be displayed on the screen along with an error message.
III. ANALYSIS
The format of sensitive AIX authentication files (namely=20
/etc/security/passwd) limit the impact of this vulnerability due to the=20
fact that there is no protected data on the first line of the file.=20
However, exploitation does not require any knowledge of application=20
internals, making exploitation of this vulnerability trivial, even for=20
unskilled attackers.
IV. DETECTION
iDEFENSE has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in lower=20
patch levels of IBM AIX version 5.2. It is suspected that previous=20
versions are also vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
Only allow trusted users local access to security critical systems.=20
Alternately, remove the setuid bit from lspath using chmod u-s=20
/usr/sbin/lspath
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Vendor advisories for this issue are available at:
For AIX 5.2:
https://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/pseries.subscriptionSvcs?mod
e=3D1&heading=3DAIX52&topic=3DSECURITY&month=3DALL
For AIX 5.3:
https://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/pseries.subscriptionSvcs?mod
e=3D1&heading=3DAIX53&topic=3DSECURITY&month=3DALL
VII. CVE INFORMATION
A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
12/21/2004 Initial vendor notification
01/07/2004 Initial vendor response
02/10/2004 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
iDEFENSE Labs is credited with this discovery.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright (c) 2005 iDEFENSE, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
email [email protected] for permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.
