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Status Future consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories System Management
Created by Guest
Created on Jun 9, 2021

Remove temporary files from data directory after creating AFP resource through AFP Manager in Navigator for i

When creating an AFP resource using AFP Manager in Navigator for i, the temporary file used to create the resource on the IBM i is stored in the
/QIBM/UserData/OS400/Navigator/config/data directory. The temporary files are not cleared after the AFP resource is successfully created on the IBM i.
Since the temporary files are not cleaned up, some may experience an authority issue if attempting to upload a file with the same name as an existing file after applying the PTF for APAR SE68845.
In addition, this is a potential security risk. Page segments and overlays may include signatures or other personal information (PI) or sensitive personal information (SPI). Someone knowledgeable with the process of creating AFP resources on the IBM i can use the temporary file in the
/QIBM/UserData/OS400/Navigator/config/data directory to create a new resource and use it for other purposes.


Use Case:

- Overlay or page segment is created using Windows AFP print driver
- Overlay or page segment is imported through AFP Manager in Navigator for i
- After a period of time, the overlay or page segment is changed
- The updated object has the same name as the old object
- The import through AFP Manager in Navigator for i fails due to an authority failure
- The existing object in the /QIBM/UserData/OS400/Navigator/config/data directory has *PUBLIC *EXCLUDE as it was created before the PTF for APAR SE68845 was applied
- After clearing the directory or file, or renaming the file, the resource is successfully imported and created on the IBM i

Security exposure:
- Dr. Evil knows the newly created overlay or page segment includes a signature
- Dr. Evil doesn't have authority to the final AFP resource on the IBM i, but does have authority to /QIBM/UserData/OS400/Navigator/config/data directory
- Dr. Evil follows well known, published instructions for creating a new AFP resource using the temporary file
- Dr. Evil now has a second copy of the AFP resource and authority to use it


Idea priority Low
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Nov 29, 2021

    IBM understands this requirement and will consider this in a future delivery

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Jul 12, 2021

    The CEAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a MEDIUM priority requirement that should be addressed.

    Background: The COMMON Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CEAC has a crucial role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community and has therefore reviewed your RFE.

    To find out how CEAC help to shape the future of IBM i, see CEAC @ ibm.biz/BdYSYj and the article "The Five Hottest IBM i RFEs Of The Quarter" at ibm.biz/BdYSZT

    Therese Eaton – CEAC Program Manager, IBM

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Jun 10, 2021

    Due to processing by IBM, this request was reassigned to have the following updated attributes:
    Brand - Servers and Systems Software
    Product family - Power Systems
    Product - IBM i
    Component - System Management
    Operating system - IBM i
    Source - Client

    For recording keeping, the previous attributes were:
    Brand - Servers and Systems Software
    Product family - Power Systems
    Product - IBM i
    Component - IBM i Access Family
    Operating system - IBM i
    Source - Client