Root command execution via unbound TLS handshake
Published Mar 18, 2025 · Updated Feb 26, 2026
Improper process control in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 nimsh allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through NIM push requests. The service accepts command parameters outside the TLS handshake, while a shared unencrypted private key is stored in globally readable certificate bundles. Exploitation requires network access to TCP port 3901, a stolen NIM key, and control of reverse DNS resolution; accepted commands run as root.
Summary
What happened
Improper process control in IBM AIX 7.2 and 7.3 nimsh allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through NIM push requests. The service accepts command parameters outside the TLS handshake, while a shared unencrypted private key is stored in globally readable certificate bundles. Exploitation requires network access to TCP port 3901, a stolen NIM key, and control of reverse DNS resolution; accepted commands run as root.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2024-56347
- Published
- Mar 18, 2025
- Updated
- Feb 26, 2026
- Vendor
- IBM
- Product
- AIX
- Classifications
- CWE-114, T1059
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Mar 18, 2025CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 26, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=7.2
- Affected versionversion=7.3
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
- AIX nimsh vulnerability verification proof of conceptproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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