CVE-2007-5003 in Protection Suites
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in CA (Computer Associates) BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Laptops and Desktops r11.0 through r11.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) username or (2) password to the rxrLogin command in rxRPC.dll, or a long (3) username argument to the GetUserInfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5003 represents a critical security flaw in CA BrightStor ARCserve Backup software versions r11.0 through r11.5. This issue affects the remote backup solution designed for laptop and desktop environments, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the software's remote procedure call implementation, specifically within the rxRPC.dll library that handles authentication processes. The affected software operates in environments where remote backup operations are conducted, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise backup infrastructure. Organizations relying on this backup solution for data protection face substantial risk as this vulnerability could allow unauthorized code execution on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors that all involve stack-based buffer overflows. The first vector involves sending an excessively long username parameter to the rxrLogin command within rxRPC.dll, while the second vector targets the same command with an overly long password parameter. The third vector exploits a long username argument passed to the GetUserInfo function. These buffer overflow conditions occur because the software fails to properly validate the length of user input before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. When the input exceeds the allocated buffer space, adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently referenced in security frameworks and vulnerability databases.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5003 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. This capability fundamentally undermines the integrity and confidentiality of backup operations, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data stored in backup repositories or to disrupt backup processes entirely. The remote exploitation nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to systems to exploit it, making the attack surface significantly broader than local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to backup infrastructure, potentially leading to data exfiltration or ransomware operations that target backup systems. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where backup systems often contain critical organizational data and serve as the foundation for disaster recovery operations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks where backup infrastructure is deployed.
Organizations affected by CVE-2007-5003 should implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems from exploitation. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in rxRPC.dll and related functions. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual login patterns or authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow makes it susceptible to exploitation using techniques such as return-oriented programming or direct code injection, emphasizing the need for robust input validation measures. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious payloads targeting these specific command parameters. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new compatibility issues. Organizations should also review their backup infrastructure security posture and consider implementing additional layers of protection such as encrypted communications and multi-factor authentication for backup access points.