=============================================================================== Security Advisory CERT-NL =============================================================================== Author/Source : CERT-NL (teun nijssen) Index : S-94-04 Distribution : World Page : 1 Classification: External Version: Final Subject : IBM AIX Performance Tools Vulnerabilities Date : 25-Feb-94 =============================================================================== CERT-NL last night received information on an IBM AIX vulnerability. The following text is composed from advisories published by several sister CERT teams, mainly CERT-CC's CA-94:03. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROBLEM: Vulnerabilities exist in IBM AIX Performance Tools. PLATFORM: All IBM AIX 3.2.5 and AIX 3.2.4 patched by PTF U420020 or U422510. DAMAGE: Unprivileged local users may gain unauthorized root access. SOLUTION: Apply workaround immediately (described below) until patch APAR IX42332 is made available. The CERT Coordination Center has received information concerning vulnerabilities in the "bosext1.extcmds.obj" Licensed Program Product (performance tools). These problems exist on IBM AIX 3.2.4 systems that have Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) U420020 or U422510 installed and on all AIX 3.2.5 systems. CERT recommends that affected sites apply the workaround provided in section III below. I. Description Vulnerabilities exist in the bosext1.extcmds.obj performance tools in AIX 3.2.5 and in those AIX 3.2.4 systems with Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) U420020 or U422510 installed. These problems do not exist in earlier versions of AIX. II. Impact Local users can gain unauthorized root access to the system. III. Workaround A. The recommended workaround is to change the permissions of all the programs in the /usr/lpp/bosperf directory structure so that the setuid bit is removed and the programs can be executed only by 'root'. This can be accomplished as follows: % su root # chmod -R u-s,og= /usr/lpp/bosperf/* The programs affected by this workaround include: filemon, fileplace, genkex, genkld, genld, lvedit, netpmon, rmap, rmss, stripnm, svmon, tprof As a result of this workaround, these programs will no longer be executable by users other than 'root'. B. Patches for these problems can be ordered as Authorized Program Analysis Report (APAR) IX42332. To order an APAR from IBM call 1-800-237-5511 and ask for shipment as soon as it is available. APARs may be obtained outside the U.S. by contacting your local IBM representative. Any further information that we receive on APAR IX42332 will be available by anonymous FTP in the file pub/cert_advisories/CA-94:03.README on info.cert.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CERT Coordination Center wishes to thank Jill K. Bowyer of USAF/DISA for reporting this problem and IBM for their prompt response to this problem. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you believe that your system has been compromised, contact CERT-NL or your local Site Security Contact (SSC). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================================== 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 "surfnet/net-security/cert-nl/docs/bulletin". 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 one (when DST is in effect two) hour(s) ahead of Universal Time Coordinated (i.e. UTC+0100 (UTC+0200)). 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 * 24 hours phone number is available to SURFnet SSC's and FIRST members on request. ==============================================================================