CVE-2022-40746 is a command injection vulnerability affecting IBM i Access Family versions 1.1.2 through 1.1.4 and 1.1.4.3 through 1.1.9.0. The root cause is a DLL search order hijacking issue, where the system improperly neutralizes special elements used in commands (CWE-77). This vulnerability allows a local authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code by placing a specially crafted file in a compromised folder. When the vulnerable IBM i Access Family software loads DLLs, it may inadvertently load malicious DLLs from attacker-controlled locations due to the hijacked search order. This can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The attack requires local authentication, meaning the attacker must have valid credentials on the system. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The vulnerability was published on November 21, 2022, and is tracked under IBM X-Force ID 236581. The lack of a direct CVSS score suggests the need for a severity assessment based on impact and exploitability factors. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the IBM i systems by enabling unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise if exploited. However, exploitation is limited by the requirement for local authenticated access and the need to place malicious files in specific folders, which may reduce the attack surface compared to remote vulnerabilities.

For European organizations using IBM i Access Family, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to system integrity and confidentiality. IBM i systems are widely used in enterprise environments for critical business applications, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches, disruption of business operations, or unauthorized modification of sensitive data. The requirement for local authentication limits the risk from external attackers but raises concerns about insider threats or attackers who have gained initial access through other means. Organizations with complex IBM i environments or those integrating IBM i with other systems may face increased risk if the vulnerability is exploited to pivot within the network. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks, especially as threat actors develop techniques to leverage this vulnerability. The medium severity rating indicates a moderate but non-trivial threat that should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation.

1. Apply available patches or updates from IBM as soon as they are released to address the DLL search order hijacking vulnerability. Although no patch links are provided in the current data, organizations should monitor IBM security advisories for updates. 2. Restrict and monitor local user access to IBM i systems, enforcing the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of users who can place files in sensitive directories. 3. Implement file integrity monitoring on directories used by IBM i Access Family to detect unauthorized or suspicious file additions or modifications. 4. Harden the environment by configuring the system to use fully qualified paths for DLL loading where possible, reducing reliance on search order. 5. Conduct regular audits of user activity and system logs to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking DLL hijacking techniques. 7. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of local privilege abuse and the importance of secure file handling practices. 8. Segment IBM i systems from less trusted network zones to limit lateral movement opportunities if exploitation occurs.