CVE-2007-5083 in BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer 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 that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5083 affects Computer Associates BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager versions prior to r11.6, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the CsAgent service component which handles various administrative commands, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise storage management infrastructure. The flaw manifests through multiple integer overflows that occur during processing of malformed input data, creating conditions where memory allocation calculations become invalid and lead to heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of integer values during command processing within the CsAgent service, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to craft specially formatted commands that cause integer overflow conditions. When these overflow conditions occur, they result in improper memory allocation that subsequently triggers heap-based buffer overflows, providing attackers with the opportunity to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The integer overflow occurs at the point where command parameters are processed and converted into memory allocation sizes, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can cause the system to allocate insufficient memory for legitimate operations while simultaneously creating exploitable buffer conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on BrightStor HSM for critical data storage management functions, as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple system compromise to potentially affect entire data storage infrastructures, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to access, modify, or delete stored data while potentially escalating privileges to system-level access. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the organization's network perimeter, making traditional network security controls insufficient to prevent exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index or buffer length, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for BrightStor HSM r11.6 and later versions, implementing network segmentation to limit access to CsAgent service ports, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious command patterns. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary services and implementing strict input validation controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited through other attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in system functionality.