CVE-2002-1011 in Tivoli Management Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in web server for Tivoli Management Framework (TMF) Endpoint 3.6.x through 3.7.1, before Fixpack 2, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1011 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the web server component of IBM Tivoli Management Framework Endpoint versions 3.6.x through 3.7.1, specifically prior to Fixpack 2. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long HTTP GET requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's memory handling capabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the web server functionality that processes incoming HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where remote access is permitted.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted HTTP GET request containing an abnormally long string of data that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the web server process. When the server attempts to process this malformed request, the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution data or allowing arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can also be classified as CWE-122 when heap-based overflow occurs during dynamic memory allocation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered through standard HTTP GET requests, making it accessible to attackers without requiring specialized tools or deep system knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable complete system compromise. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow can cause the web server process to crash, resulting in a denial of service that disrupts management and monitoring capabilities for the Tivoli Management Framework. More critically, the overflow condition can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on the target system through web-based attack vectors. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Tivoli Management Framework is used for critical infrastructure monitoring and management, as compromise of the endpoint server can lead to widespread operational disruption and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1011 should prioritize immediate implementation of IBM's Fixpack 2, which addresses the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and memory boundary checks. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules that limit the length of HTTP GET requests and establish rate limiting mechanisms to prevent abuse of the vulnerable web server. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software versions. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the fix to ensure that it does not introduce compatibility issues with existing management workflows. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual HTTP GET request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish proper monitoring procedures to detect when the vulnerable service is being targeted. Organizations using older versions of Tivoli Management Framework should plan for immediate migration to supported versions that include proper memory management and input validation controls, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the software's architecture that cannot be adequately patched through configuration changes alone.