CVE-2021-38990 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-38990 affecting IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1. Non-privileged local users can exploit a code execution vulnerability, risking system security. Find mitigation strategies here.
IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1 are vulnerable to a code execution exploit through the mount command. This vulnerability could be exploited by a non-privileged local user, impacting systems with high severity.
Understanding CVE-2021-38990
This section dives into the details of the CVE-2021-38990 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-38990?
The CVE-2021-38990 vulnerability affects IBM AIX versions 7.1, 7.2, and VIOS 3.1, enabling a non-privileged local user to execute arbitrary code using the mount command. The severity of this exploit is rated as high.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38990
The impact of CVE-2021-38990 is significant, with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 8.4 (High). It compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The exploit does not require any user interaction.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38990
Let's explore the technical details of the CVE-2021-38990 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in IBM AIX and VIOS allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code via the mount command, posing a serious security risk.
Affected Systems and Versions
IBM AIX versions 7.1 and 7.2, as well as VIOS 3.1, are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2021-38990. Users of these versions should take immediate action to secure their systems.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by a non-privileged local user to trigger the execution of unauthorized code through the mount command, leading to a potential security breach.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines the steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-38990 vulnerability and prevent the exploitation of affected systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply official fixes provided by IBM to remediate the vulnerability. It is crucial to update the affected systems promptly to eliminate the risk of code execution.
Long-Term Security Practices
In the long term, organizations should enforce strict access controls, monitor system activities, and prioritize security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security bulletins and patches released by IBM for AIX and VIOS systems to stay protected against potential threats.