CVE-2008-0962 in DiskXtender
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the File System Manager for EMC DiskXtender 6.20.060 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to the RPC interface.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0962 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the File System Manager component of EMC DiskXtender version 6.20.060. This flaw exists within the remote procedure call interface that serves as the communication channel for managing file system operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the RPC service that handles incoming requests from authenticated users, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's memory management mechanisms. The buffer overflow occurs when the system fails to properly validate the length of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers, leading to potential memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector requires remote authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to the system before exploiting the vulnerability. However, once authenticated, the attacker can craft malicious requests that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the authenticated user. The RPC interface serves as the primary attack surface, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where remote access is permitted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of EMC DiskXtender. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures, enabling them to redirect program execution flow. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive for attackers seeking to establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to compromised systems. The authentication requirement does not prevent exploitation, as it merely requires attackers to obtain valid user credentials through social engineering, credential theft, or other means, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of EMC DiskXtender. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the exposure of RPC interfaces to trusted networks only. Monitoring for unusual RPC traffic patterns and authentication attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and privilege separation can limit the damage that can be caused even if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection, as attackers may attempt to execute malicious code through the compromised RPC interface. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious RPC traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.