iDefense Security Advisory 10.30.07: IBM AIX dig dns_name_fromtext Integer Underflow Vulnerability

IBM AIX dig dns_name_fromtext Integer Underflow Vulnerability

iDefense Security Advisory 10.30.07
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/ Oct 30, 2007

I. BACKGROUND dig is a utility that is commonly used for DNS diagnostics. Under AIX 5.2, the dig program is installed by default and is set-uid root. More information can be found at the URL shown.

http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/pseries/v5r3/topic/com.ibm.aix.cmds/doc/aixcmds2/dig.htm

II. DESCRIPTION Local exploitation of an integer underflow vulnerability in the dig program of IBM Corp.'s AIX operating system allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

The problem specifically exists within dns_name_fromtext function within the libdns.a library. This function is called when processing the '-y' command line parameter to the dig program. By supplying a specially crafted TSIG key parameter, an attacker is able to cause an integer underflow, resulting in potentially exploitable heap corruption.

III. ANALYSIS Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. Local access is required to execute the dig program.

It should be noted that this particular issue is documented within the bind release notes as bug #1211 and #1350. However, this particular vulnerability is specific to AIX 5.2 since it installs the dig program set-uid root.

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IV. DETECTION iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability within AIX version 5.2. Previous versions are suspected to be vulnerable. AIX 5.3 is not vulnerable since the dig command is no longer installed set-uid root.

V. WORKAROUND Removing the set-uid bit from the dig program will prevent exploitation.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE IBM Corp. has addressed this vulnerability by releasing interim fixes. More information can be found via the Bulletins tab of IBM's Subscription Service for UNIX and Linux servers. You can reach this service by clicking the URL shown below.

http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/subscriptions/pqvcmjd?mode=1

VII. CVE INFORMATION The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2007-4622 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

08/30/2007  Initial vendor notification
09/14/2007  Initial vendor response
10/30/2007  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.  There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information. Received on Tue Oct 30 14:29:54 2007