CVE-2010-3756 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
The _CalcHashValueWithLength 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 does not properly validate an unspecified length value, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) by sending data over TCP. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2010-3060.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3756 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack server implementations across multiple versions including 5.5.0.0 through 5.5.6.0 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.0.1. This issue resides within the FastBackServer.exe component and specifically targets the _CalcHashValueWithLength function which processes data received over TCP connections. The flaw represents a classic input validation weakness that can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the server accepts external connections. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of an unspecified length parameter, creating a condition where malformed data can cause unexpected behavior in the application's processing logic.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length values in input processing, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique T1499.1 for network denial of service attacks. When remote attackers send specially crafted data packets containing invalid length values to the FastBack server, the _CalcHashValueWithLength function fails to properly handle these inputs, resulting in a daemon crash that effectively renders the backup service unavailable. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or local privileges to trigger the denial of service condition, making it a significant risk for organizations relying on TSM FastBack for their data protection infrastructure. The TCP-based attack vector indicates that the vulnerability can be exploited from any network location capable of reaching the server's listening ports.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise data protection workflows within organizations using IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack. When the FastBackServer.exe daemon crashes, backup operations cease functioning, leaving critical data unprotected and potentially causing extended downtime for backup processes that organizations depend upon for disaster recovery planning. The vulnerability's potential overlap with CVE-2010-3060 suggests that multiple related weaknesses may exist within the same software components, indicating a broader architectural issue with how length validation is implemented in the FastBack server software. Organizations may experience cascading effects where backup failures lead to extended recovery times and potential data loss if backup windows are missed due to the daemon crashing repeatedly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3756 should focus on immediate patching of affected IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack versions through official IBM security updates. Network-level protections such as firewall rules restricting access to FastBack server ports, implementing TCP port filtering, and deploying intrusion detection systems can provide temporary protection while patches are deployed. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns of daemon crashes or service interruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in server applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in data processing functions can lead to significant service disruptions. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and recovery from similar denial of service attacks that could affect other critical backup and recovery systems within their infrastructure.