CVE-2016-8972 Privilege escalation in AIX

High 7.8 Published 15 Feb 2017 Updated 6 Aug 2024

A local user can gain root privileges on IBM AIX systems by exploiting a vulnerability in the bellmail client.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2016-8972?

CVE-2016-8972 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ibm Aix, published on 15 Feb 2017. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

IBM AIX 6.1, 7.1, and 7.2 could allow a local user to gain root privileges using a specially crafted command within the bellmail client. IBM APARs: IV91006, IV91007, IV91008, IV91010, IV91011.

Weakness: CWE-264

Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-8972?

It affects 2 products.

Products include Ibm Aix, Ibm Vios.

How do I fix CVE-2016-8972?

No fix has been published for CVE-2016-8972 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2016-8972 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-8972 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Public exploit code: 1 Exploit-DB entry.

All Ibm Aix vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-q6gc-h25f-hw7c.