CVE-2023-45168 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 could allow a non-privileged local user to exploit a vulnerability in the invscout command to execute arbitrary commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-45168

This section will cover the critical aspects of the CVE-2023-45168 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-45168?

The CVE-2023-45168 vulnerability affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1, enabling a non-privileged local user to execute arbitrary commands through the invscout command.

The Impact of CVE-2023-45168

The vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows unauthorized users to run malicious commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-45168

In this section, we will delve into the technical details of the CVE-2023-45168 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability, with a CVSS base score of 8.4 (High Severity), is due to improper handling within the invscout command, granting unauthorized users the ability to execute arbitrary commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM AIX versions 7.2, 7.3, and VIOS 3.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows local non-privileged users to exploit the invscout command to execute unauthorized commands, potentially compromising system integrity and data confidentiality.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-45168.

Immediate Steps to Take

IBM recommends users to apply the relevant security patches and updates to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege, regular security assessments, and monitoring can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating IBM AIX and related systems to the latest versions and applying security patches is crucial to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.