CVE-2021-38991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in IBM AIX and VIOS that could allow a non-privileged local user to execute arbitrary code, impacting versions 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 of IBM AIX and version 3.1 of VIOS.

Understanding CVE-2021-38991

This CVE highlights a security issue in IBM AIX and VIOS versions that could lead to code execution by a non-privileged local user.

What is CVE-2021-38991?

The vulnerability in the lscore command of IBM AIX and VIOS versions could be exploited by a local user to execute malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38991

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability being compromised, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38991

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a non-privileged local user to exploit the lscore command, resulting in unauthorized code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM AIX versions 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS version 3.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a non-privileged local user to execute arbitrary code through the lscore command.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-38991, immediate steps should be taken along with long-term security practices and regular patching.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply official fixes provided by IBM to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure monitoring of system logs, restrict user permissions, and implement security best practices to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by IBM to protect the system from potential threats.