CVE-2005-4848 in BlackBerry Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the decompression algorithm in Research in Motion BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.0 SP1 and earlier before 20050607 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via certain data packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4848 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the decompression functionality of Research in Motion BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.0 Service Pack 1 and earlier releases. This issue affects the server's ability to process incoming data packets during the decompression phase, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically targets the decompression algorithm implementation, which serves as a fundamental component in handling data transmission between BlackBerry devices and enterprise servers. The flaw manifests when the server processes malformed or specially crafted data packets that exceed the allocated buffer space during decompression operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs in the decompression routine that handles data received from BlackBerry devices, particularly when processing compressed data streams. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending maliciously constructed packets that trigger the buffer overflow during decompression, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected server process. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can target the server over network connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote code execution capabilities that could result in complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and further network infiltration. The affected server environment would likely experience service disruption and potential data loss. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where BlackBerry devices are used for secure communications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise business-critical communication infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access points within the enterprise network, facilitating lateral movement and extended compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations must upgrade to BlackBerry Enterprise Server versions released after June 7, 2005, which contain the necessary fixes for the decompression algorithm. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server from untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious packet patterns and configuring the server to validate input data more rigorously. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking and input validation in server-side applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous decompression activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other enterprise applications and systems.