CVE-2010-4606 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Space Management client in the Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) component in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) 5.4.x before 5.4.3.4, 5.5.x before 5.5.3, 6.1.x before 6.1.4, and 6.2.x before 6.2.2 on Unix and Linux allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unknown vectors, related to a "script execution vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4606 represents a critical security flaw within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager's Hierarchical Storage Management component, specifically affecting the Space Management client functionality. This issue impacts multiple versions of the TSM software across Unix and Linux platforms, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking unauthorized system access. The vulnerability falls under the category of unspecified nature, indicating that the exact technical mechanism enabling the arbitrary command execution remains partially obscured in the initial disclosure, though it is clearly related to script execution capabilities within the HSM subsystem.
The technical flaw manifests as a script execution vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This type of vulnerability typically stems from improper input validation or handling of user-supplied data within the script processing mechanisms of the HSM client. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-78, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", though the exact vector remains unspecified in the CVE description.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4606 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical storage infrastructure and data management functions. Organizations utilizing affected versions of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager face significant risks including data theft, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise storage environments where TSM systems often serve as central management points for large-scale data storage operations.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager versions 5.4.3.4, 5.5.3, 6.1.4, and 6.2.2, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the script execution vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell", though the specific implementation in this case involves the HSM client's script processing mechanisms rather than standard shell environments.
Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected TSM versions within their infrastructure and prioritize patch deployment based on risk assessment. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that patching does not disrupt critical storage operations, as TSM systems typically manage large volumes of enterprise data and are integral to backup and recovery operations. System administrators should also review existing access controls and implement principle of least privilege configurations for TSM client services to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise storage management systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure components that handle sensitive data operations.