CVE-2007-5084 in BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Computer Associates (CA) BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) before r11.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via CsAgent service commands with opcodes (1) 0x07, (2) 0x08, (3) 0x09, (4) 0x1E, (5) 0x32, (6) 0x36, (7) 0x40, and possibly others.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The CVE-2007-5084 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Computer Associates BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager version r11.5 and earlier, exposing organizations to significant remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the CsAgent service component that handles various opcode-based commands, creating multiple attack vectors through well-defined protocol interfaces. The affected opcodes 0x07, 0x08, 0x09, 0x1E, 0x32, 0x36, and 0x40 represent distinct command processing points where user-supplied input is inadequately sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the HSM's communication protocol implementation, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads directly into the underlying database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the CsAgent service's handling of specific opcode commands, where attacker-controlled data flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The attack surface expands beyond the explicitly mentioned opcodes, as the vulnerability suggests similar weaknesses may exist in other command processing pathways within the same service. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from external network positions without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where HSM systems are often exposed to network traffic.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5084 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through arbitrary SQL command execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify or delete critical storage management data, and potentially gain access to underlying storage devices managed by the HSM system. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where HSM systems manage large-scale data archiving and backup operations, as these systems often contain sensitive organizational data and may serve as central points for storage management operations. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1071.005 Application Layer Protocol and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers would need to identify and exploit the specific service ports and protocols used by the CsAgent service.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to isolate HSM systems, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in database applications, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-53 security standards. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of storage management infrastructure. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing storage management operations while maintaining the integrity of the HSM's core archival and retrieval functions.