CVE-2009-3110 in Altiris Deployment Solution
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the file transfer functionality in Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution 6.9.x before 6.9 SP3 Build 430 allows remote attackers to read sensitive files and prevent client updates by connecting to the file transfer port before the expected client does.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3110 represents a critical race condition flaw within Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution version 6.9.x prior to service pack 3 build 430. This issue specifically affects the file transfer functionality component of the deployment solution, which is designed to facilitate software distribution and management across enterprise networks. The race condition occurs during the establishment of file transfer connections between the deployment server and client systems, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the timing discrepancy in the connection process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the file transfer protocol handling. When a client attempts to connect to the file transfer port, the system should establish proper authentication and authorization checks before allowing file access. However, due to the race condition, attackers can establish their own connection to the same port before the legitimate client does, effectively intercepting the connection sequence. This timing discrepancy allows unauthorized parties to manipulate the file transfer process and gain access to sensitive system files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it also enables attackers to disrupt legitimate client operations and prevent critical software updates. By connecting to the file transfer port ahead of the intended client, malicious actors can essentially hijack the connection and potentially block legitimate update processes, leading to system vulnerabilities and potential service disruption. This capability undermines the core functionality of the deployment solution, which is designed to ensure consistent and secure software distribution across enterprise environments.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under the CWE-362 category, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems. The issue aligns with the broader ATT&CK framework's T1070.004 technique related to "File Deletion" and T1566.001 "Phishing" as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper access control mechanisms and connection handling can create exploitable conditions that allow attackers to escalate privileges and access restricted resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patch for Symantec Altiris Deployment Solution 6.9 SP3 Build 430 or later versions. Network segmentation should be implemented to restrict access to the file transfer ports, and additional monitoring should be deployed to detect anomalous connection patterns. The solution architecture should be reviewed to ensure proper authentication mechanisms are in place and that connection establishment processes are properly synchronized to prevent unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar timing-based vulnerabilities in other enterprise deployment systems.