CVE-2007-5082 in BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Computer Associates (CA) BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) before r11.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified CsAgent service commands with certain opcodes, related to missing validation of a length parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5082 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Computer Associates BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager version r11.5 and earlier. This flaw exists within the CsAgent service component that handles various operational commands through specific opcode parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length parameter associated with incoming service commands, creating exploitable conditions where malicious actors can manipulate memory layout through crafted payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves stack-based buffer overflows that occur when the CsAgent service processes commands containing specific opcodes. According to CWE-121, this classification indicates a stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests when the service receives command sequences with improperly validated length parameters, enabling attackers to overwrite return addresses, saved registers, and other critical stack data structures. The missing validation of length parameters creates a direct pathway for memory corruption that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to organizations utilizing CA BrightStor HSM systems, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. The attack surface expands considerably since the CsAgent service is designed to accept connections from remote systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data loss, unauthorized access to stored information, and possible lateral movement within network infrastructure. Organizations relying on hierarchical storage management for critical data operations face substantial risk of service disruption and security breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised service. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, since remote code execution could potentially be leveraged to gain elevated privileges within the storage management environment. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader network security postures, particularly when evaluating systems that depend on legacy storage management solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in network services, emphasizing that even minor oversights in parameter validation can lead to critical security compromises.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to CA BrightStor HSM r11.6 or later versions that address the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to CsAgent service ports, and firewall rules should restrict remote connections to only trusted sources. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous command sequences or unusual patterns in service communications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of legacy storage management systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may not have received adequate security updates over time.