CVE-2007-3216 in ARCserve Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the LGServer component of CA (Computer Associates) BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Laptops and Desktops r11.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted arguments to the (1) rxsAddNewUser, (2) rxsSetUserInfo, (3) rxsRenameUser, (4) rxsSetMessageLogSettings, (5) rxsExportData, (6) rxsSetServerOptions, (7) rxsRenameFile, (8) rxsACIManageSend, (9) rxsExportUser, (10) rxsImportUser, (11) rxsMoveUserData, (12) rxsUseLicenseIni, (13) rxsLicGetSiteId, (14) rxsGetLogFileNames, (15) rxsGetBackupLog, (16) rxsBackupComplete, (17) rxsSetDataProtectionSecurityData, (18) rxsSetDefaultConfigName, (19) rxsGetMessageLogSettings, (20) rxsHWDiskGetTotal, (21) rxsHWDiskGetFree, (22) rxsGetSubDirs, (23) rxsGetServerDBPathName, (24) rxsSetServerOptions, (25) rxsDeleteFile, (26) rxsACIManageSend, (27) rxcReadBackupSetList, (28) rxcWriteConfigInfo, (29) rxcSetAssetManagement, (30) rxcWriteFileListForRestore, (31) rxcReadSaveSetProfile, (32) rxcInitSaveSetProfile, (33) rxcAddSaveSetNextAppList, (34) rxcAddSaveSetNextFilesPathList, (35) rxcAddNextBackupSetIncWildCard, (36) rxcGetRevisions, (37) rxrAddMovedUser, (38) rxrSetClientVersion, or (39) rxsSetDataGrowthScheduleAndFilter commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3216 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the LGServer component of CA BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Laptops and Desktops version r11.1. This flaw affects multiple remote execution commands that process user input without proper bounds checking, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability exists in the server-side component that handles various administrative and backup operations, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited by attackers without requiring local system access. The affected functions span across user management, configuration settings, backup operations, and system monitoring capabilities, indicating a broad attack surface that could compromise the entire backup infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the LGServer component. When processing commands such as rxsAddNewUser, rxsSetUserInfo, or rxsRenameUser, the system fails to properly validate the length of input arguments before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and injecting malicious code. The vulnerability affects 39 distinct functions within the server component, each representing a potential entry point for exploitation. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability maps directly to stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.007 for remote code execution through command injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it could enable attackers to gain complete control over the backup server. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify backup configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt backup operations that are critical to business continuity. The remote nature of the attack means that systems could be compromised from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Organizations relying on CA BrightStor ARCserve Backup for their data protection strategies would face significant risk, as the backup infrastructure often contains sensitive organizational data and system configurations. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, as backup servers frequently have elevated privileges and access to critical system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from CA, as the vendor would have released a security update addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the LGServer component. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the backup server, restrict remote administration capabilities, and employ network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation should be strengthened at all levels, including implementing proper bounds checking for all user-supplied arguments to the affected functions. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within the backup infrastructure and related components. The implementation of security monitoring solutions capable of detecting abnormal command execution patterns and memory corruption indicators would provide early warning capabilities against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of backup system configurations to reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from successful exploitation.