=============================================================================== Security Advisory CERT-NL =============================================================================== Author/Source : CERT-NL Index : S-92-07 Distribution : SURFnet Constituency Page : 1 Classification: External Version: final Subject : AIX /bin/passw Vulnerability Date : 31-mar-92 =============================================================================== CERT-NL (SURFnet Computer Emergency Response Team) has received information concerning a security problem in AIX/bin/passwd. CERT-NL wishes to thank CERT/CC for bringing this to our attention. =========================================================================== CA-92:07 CERT Advisory March 31, 1992 AIX /bin/passwd Vulnerability --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Computer Emergency Response Team/Coordination Center (CERT/CC) has received information concerning a vulnerability with the passwd command in AIX 3.2 and the 2007 update of AIX 3.1. IBM is aware of this problem, and a fix is available as apar number "ix23505". Patches are available for AIX 3.2 and the 2007 update of AIX 3.1. This fix may be ordered from Level 2 support or by anonymous ftp from software.watson.ibm.com (129.34.139.5) on the Internet. 1. To order from IBM call 1-800-237-5511 and ask that the fix be shipped. Patches may be obtained outside the U.S. by contacting your local IBM representative. 2. If you are on the Internet, use anonymous ftp to obtain the fix from software.watson.ibm.com. Patch Filename Checksum AIX 3.2 pub/aix3/pas.32.tar.Z 54431 2262 AIX 3.1 2007 pub/aix3/pas.31.tar.Z 06703 99 Patches should be retrieved using binary mode. IBM is currently incorporating the fix into the 3.2 version and 3.1 updates of AIX. Future shipments of these products should not be vulnerable to this problem. If you have any questions about products you receive, please contact your IBM representative. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Description The passwd command contains a security vulnerability. II. Impact Local users can gain unauthorized root access. III. Solution A. As root, disable /bin/passwd until you obtain and install the patch. # chmod 0500 /bin/passwd B. Obtain the fix from IBM and install according to the directions provided with the patch. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CERT/CC would like to thank Paul Selick of the University of Toronto for bringing this security vulnerability to our attention. We would also like to thank IBM for their quick response to this problem, and for making the patches available via anonymous ftp. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================================== CERT-NL is the Computer Emergency Response Team, located in The Netherlands. CERT-NL is a Full Member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST). The constituency of CERT-NL are the SURFnet connected institutions. Past CERT-NL Security Bulletins and other CERT-NL related material can be found on the anonymous FTP server of SURFnet bv: "ftp.nic.surfnet.nl" [192.87.46.3], in the directory "netman/cert-nl". This information is also available using email. Send an email saying "help" to "mailserv@nic.surfnet.nl". In case of computer or network security problems please contact CERT-NL or the CERT of your own constituency. Please be aware of the fact that we are are one hour ahead of Universal Time Coordinated (i.e. UTC+0100). Email: cert-nl@surfnet.nl Phone: +31 30 310290 Fax: +31 30 340903 Snailmail: SURFnet bv Attn. CERT-NL P.O. Box 19035 NL - 3501 DA UTRECHT The Netherlands A 7*24h phonenumber is available to SURFnet SSC's and FIRST members on request ==============================================================================