Security Bulletin
Summary
IBM Installation Manager "consoleinst.sh" script is subject to a vulnerability that may allow a local user to obtain administrative access.
Vulnerability Details
CVEID: CVE-2015-7442
DESCRIPTION: There is a "/tmp" race condition in IBM's Installation Manager "consoleinst.sh" script that could allow a local user to obtain administrator access. If a local user can guess the PID of the installation script when executed by an administrator then they could place a malicious script in its place to be executed as root. Note that the Installation Manager "consoleinst.sh" script is only useful during a console mode install from a multi-CD/DVD disk set and it is not documented.
CVSS Base Score: 7.4
CVSS Temporal Score: See https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/108171 for the current score
CVSS Environmental Score*: Undefined
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H)
Affected Products and Versions
IBM Installation Manager pre-1.8 versions 1.4.2 thru 1.7.4.3 and versions 1.8 through 1.8.3.
Remediation/Fixes
Product | VRMF | APAR | Remediation/First Fix |
IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility | 1.7.4.x | None | 1.7.4.4 IBM Installation Manager Remediation 1.7.4.4 IBM Packaging Utility Remediation Please note that the 1.7.4.4 fix is intended for upgrade of 1.7.4.3 and earlier versions which continue support on platforms that are NOT supported by 1.8 or later versions. |
IBM Installation Manager and IBM Packaging Utility | 1.8.x | None | 1.8.4 IBM Installation Manager Remediation 1.8.4 IBM Packaging Utility Remediation |
Workarounds and Mitigations
The "consoleinst.sh" script has a vulnerability and should not be used. Users who need to perform an install from multi-disk product media using the Installation Manager's console mode, can install the Installation Manager first and then perform the product multi-disk install as a second step:
- Use the installc, userinstc, and groupinstc launchers with "-c" option, on the Install Packages page, uncheck everything but the IM offering and just install and/or update the Installation Manager offering.
- After the step 1 install of the Installation Manager completes, launch the installed IM in console mode specifying the "install.xml" response file on the CD/DVD .
e.g. "/opt/IBM/InstallationManager/eclipse/tools/imcl -c -input <IM installkit location on CD/DVD>/install.xml"
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Important Note
IBM strongly suggests that all System z customers be subscribed to the System z Security Portal to receive the latest critical System z security and integrity service. If you are not subscribed, see the instructions on the System z Security web site. Security and integrity APARs and associated fixes will be posted to this portal. IBM suggests reviewing the CVSS scores and applying all security or integrity fixes as soon as possible to minimize any potential risk.
References
Change History
November 19, 2015
*The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Security Bulletin.
Disclaimer
Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.
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Document Information
Modified date:
25 October 2021
UID
swg21971295