I. BACKGROUND
The pioout program is a set-uid root application, installed by default
under multiple versions of IBM AIX, that is used to interface with the
printer driver. For more information, visit the following URL.
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/pseries/v5r3/topic/com.ibm.ai
x.cmds/doc/aixcmds4/pioout.htm
II. DESCRIPTION
Local exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM Corp.'s AIX
operating system 'pioout' program allows attackers to execute arbitrary
code with root privileges.
The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation when
copying user-supplied data to a fixed-size buffer. By passing a long
string as a command line option, an attacker can cause an exploitable
buffer overflow.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation of this vulnerability results in the execution of arbitrary
code with root privileges. In order to exploit this vulnerability, an
attacker must have access to execute the set-uid root 'pioout' program.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version
5.2 and 5.3 of AIX with all patches applied as of November 29th, 2007.
Previous versions are suspected to be affected.
V. WORKAROUND
Removing the set-uid bit from the binary will prevent exploitation, but
will also make the program unusable by non-root users.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
IBM Corp. has addressed this vulnerability by releasing interim fixes.
More information can be found via the Bulletins tab of IBM's
Subscription Service for UNIX and Linux servers. You can reach this
service by clicking the URL shown below.
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/subscriptions/pqvcmjd?mode=1
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2007-5764 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which
standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
11/29/2007 Initial vendor notification
12/03/2007 Initial vendor response
01/23/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 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
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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.
