September 2005

ID: 00848
Ref: 791/05
Date: 28 September 2005:16:44:44
Version: 1

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Title: IBM - Buffer overflow vulnerability in getconf
Abstract: A vulnerability was discovered in the getconf command that allows a local user to gain root privileges. This command writes system configuration variable values to standard output.
Vendors affected: IBM
Operating systems affected: IBM
Applications affected: IBM

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Title
=====
IBM - Buffer overflow vulnerability in getconf

Detail
======

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IBM SECURITY ADVISORY

First Issued: Mon Sep 26 15:21:37 CDT 2005

==========================================================================
VULNERABILITY SUMMARY

VULNERABILITY: A buffer overflow vulnerability in the getconf command
may allow any local user to gain root privileges.

PLATFORMS: AIX 5.2 and 5.3.

SOLUTION: Apply the APAR or workaround as described below.

THREAT: A local user may gain root privileges.

CERT VU Number: N/A
CVE Number: CAN-2005-3060
=========================================================================
DETAILED INFORMATION


I. Description
===============

A vulnerability was discovered in the getconf command that allows a local
user to gain root privileges. This command writes system configuration
variable values to standard output.

The command affected by this issue ships as part of the bos.rte.shell
fileset. To determine if this fileset is installed, execute the following
command:

# lslpp -L bos.rte.shell

If the fileset is installed it will be listed along with its version
information, state, type and a description.


II. Impact
==========

A local user may exploit this buffer overflow vulnerability to gain root
privileges.


III. Solutions
===============

A. Official Fix

IBM provides the following fixes:

APAR number for AIX 5.2.0: IY73850 (available)
APAR number for AIX 5.3.0: IY73814 (available)

NOTE: Affected customers are urged to upgrade to 5.2.0 or 5.3.0 at the
latest maintenance level.


B. Workaround

Remove the suid bit. This can be done by executing the following command as
root:

# chmod 555 /usr/bin/getconf

NOTE: Removing the suid bit affects the getconf command's functionality.
To ensure normal operation, run it as root.

Verify that the file mode bits have been updated:

# ls -la /usr/bin/getconf
- - -r-xr-xr-x 1 root bin 23430 Nov 03 2005 /usr/bin/getconf


IV. Obtaining Fixes
===================

AIX Version 5 APARs can be downloaded from:

http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/pseries/aixfixes.html


V. Contact Information
=======================

If you would like to receive AIX Security Advisories via email, please
visit:

https://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/pseries.subscriptionSvcs

Comments regarding the content of this announcement can be directed to:

security-alert@austin.ibm.com

To request the PGP public key that can be used to communicate securely
with the AIX Security Team send email to security-alert@austin.ibm.com
with a subject of "get key". The key can also be downloaded from a PGP
Public Key Server. The key id is 0x9391C1F2.

Please contact your local IBM AIX support center for any assistance.

eServer is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
IBM, AIX and pSeries are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective
holders.

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