CVE-2010-3757 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the _Eventlog 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 execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers located after a | (pipe) character in a string. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2010-3059.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3757 represents a critical format string flaw within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack server components. This security weakness exists in the _Eventlog function of FastBackServer.exe, affecting versions 5.5.0.0 through 5.5.6.0 and 6.1.0.0 through 6.1.0.1 of the TSM FastBack software. The flaw manifests when processing user-supplied input that contains format string specifiers following a pipe character, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-134 which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format specifiers are derived from external input without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input strings that are processed by the _Eventlog function, particularly when these strings contain format specifiers after the pipe character. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious format specifiers that can lead to stack smashing, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability's remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to gain persistent access to storage management systems that are critical for enterprise data protection. Organizations using affected versions of TSM FastBack face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential disruption of backup and recovery operations. The vulnerability's overlap with CVE-2010-3059 indicates that multiple related weaknesses may exist within the same software components, suggesting a broader architectural issue that requires comprehensive remediation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a larger attack surface that includes other format string vulnerabilities in the same software ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3757 should include immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates, as well as network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable FastBack servers to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement input validation controls that sanitize all external input before processing, particularly focusing on format string specifiers and pipe character handling. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious format string patterns and monitoring for exploitation attempts provides additional defensive layers. Regular security assessments of storage management systems should include verification of patch compliance and validation of input handling mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the software.