CVE-2008-2242 in BrightStor ARCServe Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in xdr functions in the server in CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup 11.0, 11.1, and 11.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated by a stack-based buffer overflow via a long parameter to the xdr_rwsstring function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2242 represents a critical security flaw in CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup versions 11.0, 11.1, and 11.5 that exposes the software to remote code execution attacks through multiple buffer overflow conditions. This vulnerability specifically targets the external data representation functions within the server component, which are responsible for serializing and deserializing data across network boundaries. The flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow when processing input parameters through the xdr_rwsstring function, a critical component in the XDR (External Data Representation) protocol implementation that handles string data transmission between different systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the xdr functions, particularly in how they handle string parameters passed to the xdr_rwsstring function. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted packet containing an excessively long parameter to this function, the buffer allocated for string processing becomes insufficient to accommodate the incoming data. This overflow condition corrupts adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access or authentication to leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the backup server may be exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire backup infrastructures that could contain sensitive corporate data. In enterprise environments utilizing CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to backup data, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or disruption of critical backup operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that backup servers often maintain access to extensive data repositories and may run with elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, representing fundamental memory safety issues that violate secure coding practices and can be exploited through techniques categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0002 Execution and TA0004 Privilege Escalation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches released in response to this CVE, implementing network segmentation to limit access to backup servers, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures should include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of backup infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management in server applications, particularly those handling network-based data exchange protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing backup server compromises. Given the nature of backup systems containing potentially sensitive data, this vulnerability represents a significant risk that requires immediate attention to prevent potential data breaches or system compromise.