CVE-2010-3059 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the message-protocol implementation in the Server in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) FastBack 5.x.x before 5.5.7, and 6.1.0.0, allows remote attackers to read and modify data, and possibly have other impact, via an unspecified command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3059 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the message-protocol implementation of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack server components. This security weakness affects versions 5.x.x prior to 5.5.7 and version 6.1.0.0, creating a significant exposure in enterprise data protection systems that rely on this storage management solution. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of unspecified commands sent to the FastBack server, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack, this flaw manifests when the server processes incoming commands through its message-protocol layer without adequate input validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious commands that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that may lead to code execution or data manipulation. The vulnerability's remote exploit capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the FastBack server may be exposed to untrusted networks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors that could severely compromise enterprise data integrity and confidentiality. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow could potentially read sensitive backup data, modify existing backup records, or even gain elevated privileges within the storage management environment. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as attackers might disrupt backup operations, corrupt backup repositories, or use the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the enterprise network. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of data protection systems, which are critical for business continuity and disaster recovery operations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through buffer overflows or similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations using IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack should prioritize immediate remediation efforts, including applying the vendor-provided patches for versions 5.5.7 and 6.1.0.0, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious network activity related to the FastBack service. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their backup infrastructure and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise storage management solutions and highlights the critical need for proper input validation in server-side applications that process external commands. Organizations should also review their backup and recovery procedures to ensure that any potential data corruption or unauthorized modifications can be detected and addressed promptly.