CVE-2008-1661 in StorageWorks Storage Mirroring
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in DoubleTake.exe in HP StorageWorks Storage Mirroring (SWSM) before 4.5 SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted encoded authentication request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1661 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the DoubleTake.exe component of HP StorageWorks Storage Mirroring software version 4.5 SP1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the authentication handling mechanism of the storage mirroring solution, which is designed to provide high availability and data protection services for enterprise storage environments. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes crafted encoded authentication requests, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DoubleTake.exe application, which fails to properly bounds-check incoming authentication data. When a maliciously crafted encoded request is transmitted to the vulnerable system, the application's stack memory management routines become compromised, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control registers. This type of buffer overflow directly maps to CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, where insufficient boundary checking enables memory corruption that can be systematically exploited to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service account. In enterprise storage environments, this could translate to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical storage operations. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for network-connected storage solutions. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in network services to execute malicious code, and T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain elevated access.
Organizations utilizing affected HP StorageWorks Storage Mirroring systems should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patch for version 4.5 SP2, which addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory bounds checking. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable service to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous authentication request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise storage infrastructure, as these systems often serve as critical components in data protection strategies where compromise can result in significant business disruption and data loss.