CVE-2010-3755 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
The _DAS_ReadBlockReply function in FastBackServer.exe in the Server in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) FastBack 5.5.0.0 through 5.5.6.0 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.0.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and daemon crash) via data in a TCP packet. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2010-3060.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3755 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack server components, specifically the _DAS_ReadBlockReply function within FastBackServer.exe. This issue represents a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited remotely through malformed TCP packet data, potentially leading to complete daemon crashes and system unavailability. The affected versions span across TSM FastBack 5.5.0.0 through 5.5.6.0 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.0.1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release branches of the storage management software. The vulnerability manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when the server processes incoming data packets, fundamentally compromising the stability and reliability of the backup infrastructure.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the _DAS_ReadBlockReply function, which fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming TCP packet data before processing. When maliciously crafted data reaches this function, it triggers a NULL pointer dereference that causes the FastBackServer.exe daemon to crash and terminate unexpectedly. This behavior aligns with CWE-476, which categorizes NULL pointer dereference as a common weakness in software development practices, particularly in systems handling network communications. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks targeting server applications through malformed packet injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise backup operations and data protection capabilities within enterprise environments. Organizations relying on TSM FastBack for their storage management and backup processes face potential data availability risks when this vulnerability is exploited, as the daemon crash can interrupt ongoing backup operations and potentially leave systems in inconsistent states. The remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger this condition without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the FastBack server may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. The overlap with CVE-2010-3060 suggests that this may represent part of a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting the same software components, potentially indicating underlying architectural weaknesses in the TCP packet handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through IBM security updates and service packs, as well as implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of FastBack server components to untrusted networks. Network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious TCP packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect daemon crashes or restarts that could indicate successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices, particularly in server applications handling network communications, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of enterprise storage management systems. Organizations should also review their backup and recovery procedures to ensure they maintain adequate redundancy and alternative data protection mechanisms in case of service disruption.