CVE-2025-52627
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in AION 2.0 allows attackers to modify critical system files because the root file system is not mounted as read-only. This affects systems running AION 2.0 where the default configuration leaves the root filesystem writable, potentially enabling unauthorized changes to system files.
💻 Affected Systems
- AION
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through modification of critical system binaries, configuration files, or installation of persistent malware/backdoors.
Likely Case
Unauthorized modification of system files leading to service disruption, privilege escalation, or data manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, but still vulnerable to authorized users making unintended changes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of system access, but modifying files is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hcl-software.com/csm?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0127972
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review vendor advisory for patch details. 2. Apply vendor-provided patch or update to fixed version. 3. Restart affected systems. 4. Verify root filesystem is mounted as read-only.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Mount root filesystem as read-only
linuxManually configure the root filesystem to mount as read-only to prevent modifications
Edit /etc/fstab and add 'ro' option to root partition mount
Example: /dev/sda1 / ext4 ro,defaults 0 1
Reboot system after changes
Implement file integrity monitoring
linuxDeploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to critical system files
Install and configure tools like AIDE, Tripwire, or OSSEC
Set up monitoring for /bin, /sbin, /usr/bin, /etc directories
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles for all user accounts
- Deploy file integrity monitoring and alerting for critical system directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Run 'mount | grep "on / "' and check if 'ro' (read-only) is present. If 'rw' (read-write) is shown, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check AION version using vendor-specific commands or check installed package versionVerify Fix Applied:
After applying fix, run 'mount | grep "on / "' to confirm 'ro' appears. Also check that critical system files cannot be modified by non-root users.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected modifications to system files in /etc, /bin, /sbin directories
- Failed attempts to remount filesystem as read-write
- Changes to critical configuration files without proper change control
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system after file modifications
- Unexpected services starting on non-standard ports
SIEM Query:
Example: (event_type="file_modification" AND file_path IN ("/etc/*", "/bin/*", "/sbin/*")) OR (process_name="mount" AND command_line CONTAINS "remount,rw")