CVE-2024-27275
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM i operating systems where a non-administrative user can configure a physical file trigger to execute with elevated privileges by tricking another user into accessing a manipulated file. The vulnerability affects IBM i versions 7.2 through 7.5, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access on affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM i
📦 What is this software?
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
I by Ibm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full administrative control of the IBM i system, enabling data theft, system modification, persistence establishment, and lateral movement within the environment.
Likely Case
Local attackers escalate privileges to perform unauthorized administrative actions, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, exploitation attempts can be detected and prevented before privilege escalation occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and social engineering, making it more complex than purely technical attacks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply IBM security updates as specified in advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7157637
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory 7157637. 2. Apply appropriate PTF (Program Temporary Fix) for your IBM i version. 3. Restart affected services or system as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict trigger configuration
ibmiLimit ability to configure physical file triggers to administrative users only
GRTADPAUT AUT(*EXCLUDE) OBJ(QSYS/*ALL) USER(*PUBLIC)
GRTOBJAUT OBJ(QSYS/QATRIGGER) OBJTYPE(*FILE) USER(*PUBLIC) AUT(*EXCLUDE)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can configure file triggers
- Monitor for unauthorized trigger configuration attempts and file access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IBM i version with DSPPTF command and compare against patched versions in IBM advisoryCheck Version:
DSPPTFVerify Fix Applied:
Verify PTF installation with WRKPTFGRP command and confirm trigger configuration requires administrative privileges📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized trigger configuration attempts
- Unexpected file access by non-administrative users
- Privilege escalation attempts in audit journals
Network Indicators:
- Unusual administrative activity from non-admin accounts
SIEM Query:
source="ibm_i_audit" AND (event="trigger_configuration" OR event="privilege_escalation") AND user!="*admin*"