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IBM Server Firmware FW1120.00, FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1060.00 through FW1060.80, and FW950.00 through FW950.H2 is affected by a vulnerability in the FSP firmware update process. The vulnerability exists in the FSP (Flexible Service Processor) firmware update mechanism, where insufficient validation of input data during the update process allows an attacker with authenticated administrator-level access to the FSP to execute arbitrary code. Under specific conditions, the attacker can craft a malicious firmware update payload that triggers a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) during the update validation routine. This overflow corrupts adjacent memory on the stack, overwriting critical control structures such as return addresses or function pointers. Once control is hijacked, the attacker can redirect execution flow to injected shellcode, achieving full arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the FSP firmware process. The FSP is responsible for managing critical system functions including power control, console access, and system monitoring. Successful exploitation compromises the confidentiality of sensitive data stored on the system, integrity of the firmware and operating system, and availability of the managed server. The attack vector is adjacent network access, requires low attack complexity, and demands high privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.8 (Medium).
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: IBM Power Systems
Version: FW1120.00, FW1110.00-FW1110.30, FW1060.00-FW1060.80, FW950.00-FW950.H2
Vulnerability: Stack-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-121)
Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM
date: 2026-08-19
Prediction: 2026-09-15
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- The vulnerability resides in the FSP firmware update path, specifically during validation of update images before installation.
- An authenticated administrator can manipulate the update process to trigger a stack buffer overflow.
- CVSS v3.1 Vector: AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
- Affected firmware versions span multiple major release streams: FW950, FW1060, FW1110, and FW1120.
- IBM has released a security bulletin with remediation guidance.
Bash commands and codes related to the blog
Check current FSP firmware version ssh -l admin <FSP_IP> fspver Verify if system is running an affected version Affected: FW1120.00, FW1110.00-FW1110.30, FW1060.00-FW1060.80, FW950.00-FW950.H2 Download the fixed firmware from IBM Fix Central https://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/ Initiate firmware update (legitimate process) update_flash -t fsp -f <firmware_image.bin> Check update status lssyscfg -r sys -F name,fwversion
Exploit: (Educational Purposes!)
- An attacker with administrator-level access crafts a malicious firmware update binary with oversized payload in a specific field.
- The FSP update validation routine copies user-supplied data into a fixed-size stack buffer without proper bounds checking.
- The oversized input overwrites the saved return address on the stack.
- Upon function return, execution jumps to attacker-controlled shellcode injected within the payload.
- The shellcode executes with FSP firmware privileges, granting full control over the managed Power System.
Protection:
- Apply the firmware update provided in IBM Security Bulletin (https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283899).
- Restrict network access to FSP management interfaces to trusted administrative networks only.
- Enforce strong authentication and monitor administrator-level access logs for suspicious activities.
- Implement principle of least privilege for FSP administrative accounts.
Impact:
- Confidentiality: Full disclosure of sensitive system data and firmware internals.
- Integrity: Complete compromise of firmware integrity, allowing persistent backdoors.
- Availability: Denial of service through system crashes or bricked FSP units.
- Privilege Escalation: Arbitrary code execution at the highest privilege level of the service processor.
- Lateral Movement: Compromised FSP can be used to attack host operating systems and other managed nodes.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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