AIX: Process Control
CVE-2024-56347 is a critical-severity process control vulnerability in AIX from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected AIX versions: 7.2; 7.3. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.92% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 61% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of AIX you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on ibm.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (us.ibm.com).
Official description
IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 nimsh service SSL/TLS protection mechanisms could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands due to improper process controls.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Process Control
Executing commands or loading libraries from an untrusted source or in an untrusted environment can cause an application to execute malicious commands (and payloads) on behalf of an attacker.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in AIX
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Process Control vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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