CVE-2023-28528 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-28528 pertains to a vulnerability in IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 that could potentially be exploited by a non-privileged local user to execute arbitrary commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-28528

This section will provide insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-28528?

The vulnerability in question allows a non-privileged local user to exploit a flaw in the invscout command within IBM AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1, enabling the execution of arbitrary commands. Identified by IBM X-Force ID 251207, this vulnerability poses a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28528

With a CVSS base score of 8.4, this vulnerability has a high severity level, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the impacted systems. The attack complexity is low, but the impact of successful exploitation is considerable.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28528

This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78, indicating the improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command (OS Command Injection). This flaw allows unauthorized users to execute commands on the affected IBM AIX and VIOS systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM AIX versions 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, along with VIOS 3.1, are impacted by this vulnerability. Users operating these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a non-privileged local user leveraging the invscout command to execute unauthorized commands, potentially leading to system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will outline the steps that users and administrators can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28528 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

IBM AIX and VIOS users are advised to apply security patches provided by IBM promptly.
Restrict non-privileged user access to critical system commands to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and advisories from IBM to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay up to date with IBM's security bulletins and apply patches as soon as they are released to address known vulnerabilities.
Consider implementing proactive security measures such as network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to enhance overall system security.