CVE-2007-5545 in Smart Pgm Fx
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in TIBCO SmartPGM FX allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in unspecified vectors. NOTE: as of 20071016, the only disclosure is a vague pre-advisory with no actionable information. However, since it is from a well-known researcher, it is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5545 represents a critical format string vulnerability within TIBCO SmartPGM FX software, a component designed for high-performance data distribution in enterprise environments. This flaw exists in the handling of user-supplied input that is processed through format string functions without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of untrusted data in format string functions, making it a well-documented and severe class of vulnerability that has been consistently exploited in various security incidents over the years.
The technical exploitation of this format string vulnerability occurs when the TIBCO SmartPGM FX application processes input data that contains format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x without adequate protection mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious input that manipulates the format string parsing logic to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, memory disclosure, or code execution. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through various communication channels or data processing pathways within the SmartPGM FX framework, making the attack surface more extensive than initially apparent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data and systems that rely on TIBCO SmartPGM FX for message distribution. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, allowing them to exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the network. This represents a significant risk to enterprise infrastructure where SmartPGM FX is deployed for mission-critical communications, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized system control. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
Security researchers and organizations should prioritize immediate remediation efforts including applying vendor patches, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's assignment of CVE status indicates that it has been recognized by the security community as a legitimate threat requiring tracking and mitigation. Organizations using TIBCO SmartPGM FX should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The lack of detailed disclosure information at the time of CVE assignment highlights the importance of vendor communication and the need for organizations to maintain vigilance against potential zero-day exploits in widely deployed enterprise software components.