IBM AIX aixterm libIM library buffer overflow
| aix-aixterm-libim-bo (11309) |  High Risk |
Description:
IBM AIX could allow a local attacker to gain root privileges on the system. By passing an overly long string to the /usr/lpp/X11/bin/aixterm binary using the -lm command line argument, a local attacker could overflow a buffer in the libIM library, which would cause the aixterm binary to crash and allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with root privileges.
Platforms Affected:
- IBM, AIX 4.3.3
- IBM, AIX 5.1
- IBM, AIX 5.2
Remedy:
Apply the appropriate APAR patch for your system, as listed below, available from the AIX Fix Distribution Service. See References.
AIX 4.3.3: IY40307
AIX 5.1.0: IY40317
AIX 5.2.0: IY40320
Consequences:
Gain Privileges
References:
- BugTraq Mailing List, Mon Feb 17 2003 - 01:00:23 CST, /usr/bin/enq and /usr/bin/X11/aixterm exploit in AIX at http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2003-02/0199.html.
- IBM Technical Support Web site, AIX Fix Distribution Service at http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/aix/downloading.html.
- iDEFENSE Security Advisory 02.12.03, Buffer Overflow in AIX libIM.a at http://www.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/display.php?id=18.
- BID-6840: IBM AIX libIM Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
- CVE-2003-0087: Buffer overflow in libIM library (libIM.a) for National Language Support (NLS) on AIX 4.3 through 5.2 allows local users to gain privileges via several possible attack vectors, including a long -im argument to aixterm.
- OSVDB ID: 7996: AIX libIM Library for NLS Multiple Vector Overflow
Reported:
Feb 12, 2003
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