CVE-2023-40375
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM i's integrated application server. An attacker with command-line access to the host OS can exploit it to gain root privileges, affecting IBM i versions 7.2 through 7.5.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM i integrated application server
📦 What is this software?
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full root compromise of the IBM i host operating system, allowing complete system control, data theft, and further network propagation.
Likely Case
An authenticated malicious insider or compromised low-privilege account escalates to root, leading to data breaches and system manipulation.
If Mitigated
With strict access controls and patching, impact is limited to unauthorized privilege escalation attempts that are logged and blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local command-line access, but details are not publicly disclosed; complexity is low based on typical privilege escalation flaws.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply IBM i PTF groups as specified in vendor advisory (e.g., SF99738 level 37 or higher for 7.5).
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7038748
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory for specific PTF details. 2. Apply the required PTF groups via IBM i management tools. 3. Restart the system to activate changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local command-line access
ibm-iLimit user access to command-line interfaces on IBM i to reduce attack surface.
Use IBM i security controls (e.g., CHGUSRPRF) to restrict command-line permissions.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least-privilege access controls to minimize users with local command-line access.
- Monitor and audit command-line activity for suspicious privilege escalation attempts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IBM i version and PTF level; if on affected versions (7.2-7.5) without required PTFs, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
DSPPTF LICPGM(5770SS1) on IBM i command line to check PTF details.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify PTF groups (e.g., SF99738) are applied at the level specified in IBM advisory and system is restarted.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts in IBM i audit logs or security event logs.
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable, as this is a local exploit.
SIEM Query:
Search for events related to user privilege changes or command execution from low-privilege accounts on IBM i systems.