CVE-2007-2136 in Patrol Perform Agent
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in bgs_sdservice.exe in BMC Patrol PerformAgent allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by connecting to TCP port 10128 and sending certain XDR data, which is not properly parsed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2136 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the BMC Patrol PerformAgent software, specifically within the bgs_sdservice.exe component. This flaw exists in the handling of external data received through the TCP port 10128, which serves as the primary communication channel for the service. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parsing mechanisms that fail to properly handle extended data representation XDR data structures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by establishing a connection to the designated TCP port and transmitting malformed XDR data packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack overflow scenario where the bgs_sdservice.exe process does not perform adequate bounds checking on incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. When the service receives XDR data through TCP port 10128, it processes this data without sufficient validation, allowing an attacker to craft malicious payloads that overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The flaw particularly affects the service's ability to handle variable-length data structures that are part of the XDR protocol, which is commonly used for remote procedure calls in distributed computing environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2136 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a remote attack vector that requires no authentication to exploit. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of BMC Patrol PerformAgent without requiring local access or credentials. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that TCP port 10128 is a well-known service port that may be exposed to untrusted networks, making it a prime target for automated exploitation attempts. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploitation of remote services through network-based attacks, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters that may be leveraged after initial compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant security risks including unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems without physical access or network proximity, making detection and containment more challenging. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a legacy issue that highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in network services. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching of affected systems, network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 10128, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments of legacy systems and proper software lifecycle management to prevent similar issues in future deployments.