CVE-2008-3466 in Host Integration Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Host Integration Server (HIS) 2000, 2004, and 2006 does not limit RPC access to administrative functions, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary programs via a crafted SNA RPC message using opcode 1 or 6 to call the CreateProcess function, aka "HIS Command Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The CVE-2008-3466 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Microsoft Host Integration Server versions 2000, 2004, and 2006. This vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) access controls within the HIS architecture, specifically targeting administrative functions that should require proper authentication before execution. The flaw exists at the protocol level where SNA (Systems Network Architecture) RPC services fail to enforce adequate access controls, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly enables arbitrary code execution through legitimate system functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on crafting specific SNA RPC messages with predetermined opcodes to invoke the CreateProcess function within the Windows operating system. When attackers send RPC messages using opcode 1 or 6, they can trigger the execution of arbitrary programs on the targeted HIS server without proper authentication credentials. This flaw operates at the system call level where the RPC infrastructure fails to validate the legitimacy of incoming requests before delegating administrative operations. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor through which malicious actors can execute commands with the privileges of the HIS service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3466 extends beyond immediate code execution to encompass broader network infiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within enterprise environments, particularly targeting mainframe connectivity services that are often considered critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on HIS for connecting legacy systems to modern networks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where these servers typically operate with elevated privileges. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), demonstrating how the flaw can be chained with other attack vectors to achieve comprehensive system compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate HIS servers from general network traffic, deployment of firewall rules to restrict RPC access to trusted administrative networks, and application of Microsoft security patches released in response to this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary RPC services, implementing strict access controls through Windows Group Policy configurations, and conducting comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous RPC traffic patterns. Additionally, organizations should perform regular vulnerability assessments targeting legacy systems and establish robust patch management processes to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and proper access control implementation in enterprise systems, particularly those handling critical connectivity functions between different computing environments.