CVE-2021-39050 : What You Need to Know

IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook versions 9.2.0, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2 have a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain lower-level privileges through a stack-based buffer overflow. This CVE was published on December 10, 2021, by IBM.

Understanding CVE-2021-39050

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-39050.

What is CVE-2021-39050?

IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook versions 9.2.0, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2 are susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow due to inadequate bounds checking. This could enable a local attacker to overflow a buffer and attain lower-level privileges. The IBM X-Force ID associated with this vulnerability is 214440.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39050

The CVSSv3.0 base score for this vulnerability is 5.3 (Medium severity) with a low attack complexity and vector being local. The exploit code maturity is unproven, requiring user interaction. If successfully exploited, an attacker could gain lower level privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39050

Explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation techniques.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a stack-based buffer overflow in IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook versions 9.2.0, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2. It is triggered by improper bounds checking, allowing a local attacker to overflow a buffer and potentially gain lower-level privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook
Versions Affected: 9.2.0, 9.2.1, 9.2.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally by overflowing a buffer, leading to the elevation of privileges to a lower level for the attacker.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the immediate steps and long-term practices to secure systems against CVE-2021-39050.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the official fix provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
Monitor official sources for security updates and advisories.
Restrict system access to trusted users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the software to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

IBM has released an official fix to remediate the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook 9.2.0, 9.2.1, and 9.2.2.