CVE-2008-2158 in AlphaStor
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the Command Line Interface process in the Server Agent in EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 for Windows allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted TCP packets to port 41025.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2158 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Command Line Interface process of EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 for Windows Server Agent component. This security weakness specifically affects the network service listening on TCP port 41025, which is part of EMC's storage management infrastructure. The vulnerability resides in the server agent's handling of incoming TCP packets, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted data to overflow stack buffers and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length stack buffer. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution when exploited properly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple network service disruption, as it creates a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers without authentication. Attackers capable of sending TCP packets to the targeted port 41025 could craft malicious payloads designed to overflow the stack buffer and overwrite the instruction pointer or other critical control structures. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise storage environments where EMC AlphaStor systems are deployed, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or denial of service affecting critical storage infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 on Windows platforms, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on this storage management solution.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics and techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter categories. The remote code execution capability provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system, potentially enabling lateral movement within network environments where storage systems are integrated. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to establish footholds in enterprise environments. Organizations using EMC AlphaStor systems should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate the affected port 41025 from untrusted networks, as well as deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying crafted TCP packets targeting this specific service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2158 should include immediate patching of the EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 software to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations lacking immediate patch availability should consider implementing network access controls to restrict access to TCP port 41025, particularly from untrusted sources. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting malformed TCP packets targeting this specific port can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Additionally, system hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper input validation, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments should be employed to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the nature of stack-based buffer overflows can lead to unpredictable system behavior when successfully exploited. 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.