Root-privileged file writes via uninitialized variables
Published Sep 16, 2025 · Updated Sep 16, 2025
Improper variable initialization in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and VIOS 3.1, 4.1 allows local users to write files with root privileges. The flaw resides in krb5.client.rte 1.16.1.0 through 1.16.1.7, but IBM has not identified which critical variables are improperly initialized or the affected function. Kerberos network authentication must be configured; successful exploitation permits root-privileged modification of arbitrary system files.
Summary
What happened
Improper variable initialization in IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3 and VIOS 3.1, 4.1 allows local users to write files with root privileges. The flaw resides in krb5.client.rte 1.16.1.0 through 1.16.1.7, but IBM has not identified which critical variables are improperly initialized or the affected function. Kerberos network authentication must be configured; successful exploitation permits root-privileged modification of arbitrary system files.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2025-36244
- Published
- Sep 16, 2025
- Updated
- Sep 16, 2025
- Vendor
- IBM
- Product
- AIX
- Classifications
- CWE-454, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 16, 2025CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Sep 16, 2025Record 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
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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