CVE-2025-36250
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on IBM AIX and VIOS systems running the NIM server service (nimesis) due to improper process controls. It affects IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and IBM VIOS 3.1, 4.1. This addresses additional attack vectors for a previously patched vulnerability (CVE-2024-56346).
💻 Affected Systems
- IBM AIX
- IBM VIOS
📦 What is this software?
Aix by Ibm
Aix by Ibm
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing attacker to install malware, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or service disruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent unauthorized access to NIM service.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 10.0 indicates trivial exploitation with no authentication required. However, no public exploit code has been identified at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apply the latest security patches from IBM. Specific patch numbers should be obtained from IBM's advisory.
Vendor Advisory: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7251173
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review IBM advisory at provided URL
2. Download appropriate patches for your AIX/VIOS version
3. Apply patches using smit or installp commands
4. Restart affected services or reboot system
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable NIM Server Service
aixStop and disable the nimesis service if NIM functionality is not required.
stopsrc -s nimesis
chssys -s nimesis -d
Network Access Control
allRestrict network access to NIM server port (typically 1058/tcp) using firewall rules.
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1058 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate NIM servers from untrusted networks.
- Monitor NIM server logs for suspicious activity and implement intrusion detection.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if nimesis service is running: lssrc -s nimesisCheck Version:
oslevel -sVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service is stopped or patched by checking version and service status.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process execution from nimesis service
- Failed authentication attempts to NIM service
- Unexpected network connections to NIM port
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected traffic to port 1058/tcp
- Suspicious command execution patterns in NIM protocol
SIEM Query:
source="nimesis.log" AND (process_execution OR command_injection)