search menu icon-carat-right cmu-wordmark

CERT Coordination Center

IBM AIX nslookup buffer overflow in hostname to lookup

Vulnerability Note VU#872443

Original Release Date: 2001-09-26 | Last Revised: 2001-09-26

Overview

There is a buffer overflow in nslookup that will allow local attackers to gain root privileges on vulnerable AIX systems.

Description

The nslookup command contains a buffer overflow in the hostname to lookup, allowing local attackers to gain root privileges. The vendor (IBM) has reported publicly that this buffer overflow has been exploited by intruders to gain privileges.

Impact

Intruders with access to a local account may be able to gain root privileges on the vulnerable system.

Solution

Apply a Patch

IBM has released patches to correct this problem. For AIX version 4.3, system administrators should apply APAR#IY02120.

Vendor Information

872443
 

CVSS Metrics

Group Score Vector
Base
Temporal
Environmental

References

Acknowledgements

This document was written by Cory F. Cohen.

Other Information

CVE IDs: None
Severity Metric: 15.75
Date Public: 1999-09-30
Date First Published: 2001-09-26
Date Last Updated: 2001-09-26 18:04 UTC
Document Revision: 7

Sponsored by CISA.