CVE-2002-1012 in Tivoli Management Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in web server for Tivoli Management Framework (TMF) ManagedNode 3.6.x through 3.7.1 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-2002-1012 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Tivoli Management Framework ManagedNode web server component. This issue affects versions 3.6.x through 3.7.1 of the TMF ManagedNode software, which is part of IBM's comprehensive IT management and monitoring suite. The vulnerability manifests when the web server processes HTTP GET requests, specifically when handling unusually long request parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the web server's request handling mechanism, creating a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web server's failure to properly validate the length of incoming HTTP GET parameters before processing them. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing an excessive number of characters in the URL parameters, the server's buffer allocation mechanism becomes overwhelmed, leading to memory corruption that can result in either a system crash or arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category of Buffer Overflow, specifically classified as a stack-based buffer overflow due to the nature of how the web server processes request data. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where input validation occurs too late in the processing pipeline, allowing malicious data to traverse multiple layers of the application before causing the buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1012 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized code execution capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where TMF ManagedNode components are deployed, as the compromise of a single web server can potentially lead to broader system infiltration and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or network proximity to the affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Organizations utilizing IBM TMF products would face potential service disruption, unauthorized access to monitoring data, and possible escalation to full system compromise, depending on the security configuration and privileges of the affected web server process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass immediate patching of affected TMF ManagedNode versions, with organizations prioritizing updates to versions that address the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web server components, particularly limiting direct internet exposure where possible. Implementing input validation controls at the network perimeter through web application firewalls or similar security appliances can provide additional defense-in-depth. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected TMF ManagedNode installations and ensure proper monitoring for exploitation attempts. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader threat landscape. System administrators should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address buffer overflow exploits and monitor for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.