CVE-2007-4221 in Timbuktu
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Motorola Timbuktu Pro before 8.6.5 for Windows allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) a long user name and (2) certain malformed requests; and (3) allow remote Timbuktu servers to have an unknown impact via a malformed HELLO response, related to the Scanner component and possibly related to a malformed computer name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4221 represents a critical security flaw in Motorola Timbuktu Pro version 8.6.4 and earlier, affecting Windows operating systems. This vulnerability stems from multiple buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise the integrity and availability of the Timbuktu daemon service. The affected software operates as a remote desktop and file sharing solution that allows users to control remote computers over networks, making it a significant target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access or system disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors that exploit insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Timbuktu Pro application. The first vector involves sending an excessively long user name to the daemon service, which triggers a buffer overflow condition in the memory allocation routines handling user authentication. The second vector exploits malformed requests that can be crafted to cause similar buffer overflow scenarios during request processing, while the third vector targets the Scanner component through malformed HELLO responses that can originate from remote Timbuktu servers. These buffer overflow conditions occur when the application fails to properly validate input lengths and format, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the buffer overflows can potentially be leveraged for arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. When the daemon crashes due to buffer overflows, legitimate users experience service disruption, but the more dangerous aspect involves the possibility of attackers injecting and executing malicious code within the context of the Timbuktu service. The vulnerability affects the Scanner component specifically, which is responsible for discovering and connecting to remote Timbuktu servers, making it a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points within network environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in memory management that enable privilege escalation and code execution attacks.
The potential attack surface for this vulnerability includes any networked system running vulnerable versions of Timbuktu Pro, particularly in enterprise environments where remote access solutions are commonly deployed. Attackers can exploit these conditions without requiring authentication, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows for unauthorized access to systems through network-based attacks. The impact on network security operations includes potential compromise of sensitive data, establishment of backdoor access points, and disruption of legitimate remote access services. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers protocol tunneling, as the Timbuktu service operates over network protocols that can be manipulated to deliver malicious payloads. Organizations using Timbuktu Pro should immediately implement mitigations including patching to version 8.6.5 or later, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network access controls to restrict communication with Timbuktu services and conducting regular security assessments of remote access solutions can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation.