CVE-2024-35122 addresses a file level local denial of service vulnerability in IBM i 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 systems. The vulnerability stems from an insufficient authority requirement, which means that a non-privileged local user can configure a referential constraint using the privileges of a user that was socially engineered to access the target file. This post will detail the exploit, its potential impact, and how to remediate the vulnerability.

Exploit Details

The insufficient authority requirement in IBM i 7.2-7.5 versions allows a local non-privileged user to hijack the privileges of a more privileged user. This is achieved by configuring a referential constraint, which binds a target file with another file, possibly leading to a denial of service attack.

The exploit works by crafting a malicious request to access and modify the target file. Here's a sample of the code snippet that an attacker might use:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
  if (argc != 2) {
    fprintf(stderr, "Usage: %s <target_file_path>\n", argv[]);
    exit(EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  char *target_file_path = argv[1];

  // Malicious request to the target file
  // Assume privileges of a socially engineered user
  int status = access(target_file_path, /* Assume socially engineered privileges */);

  if (status != ) {
    perror("access() error");
    exit(EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  // Configure referential constraint
  // Using socially engineered user's privileges
  configure_referential_constraint(target_file_path, /* Privileges of socially engineered user */);

  return ;
}

Impact of the Vulnerability

As a result of this vulnerability, an attacker can perform unauthorized actions on a target file, potentially causing a denial of service or adversely affecting the integrity of the affected system. This has significant implications for the reliability, availability, and confidentiality of an organization's data and overall security posture.

Original References

Vulnerability details, information about impacted versions, and potential workarounds are available from the following sources:

1. IBM Security Bulletin: IBM i is Vulnerable to a File Level Local Denial of Service (CVE-2024-35122)
2. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Database: CVE-2024-35122
3. National Vulnerability Database (NVD): NVD - CVE-2024-35122

Remediation Steps

To remediate this vulnerability, update your IBM i 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, or 7.5 systems to the latest version or apply the appropriate security patch that addresses CVE-2024-35122.

Install the applicable IBM i security patch.

- For IBM i 7.2 systems, apply PTF number SI75108
- For IBM i 7.3 systems, apply PTF number SI75109
- For IBM i 7.4 systems, apply PTF number SI75110
- For IBM i 7.5 systems, apply PTF number SI75111

Reboot the system after applying the security patch.

4. Verify that the vulnerability has been mitigated by testing the affected systems for the presence of the vulnerability.

Regularly review and update user access privileges to minimize the risk of future exploits.

Stay vigilant and ensure that your systems are always up-to-date to protect against such vulnerabilities in the future.

Timeline

Published on: 01/24/2025 18:15:31 UTC