CVE-2011-1220 in Tivoli Management Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in lcfd.exe in Tivoli Endpoint in IBM Tivoli Management Framework 3.7.1, 4.1, 4.1.1, and 4.3.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long opts field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1220 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the lcfd.exe component of IBM Tivoli Management Framework versions 3.7.1, 4.1, 4.1.1, and 4.3.1. This issue affects the Tivoli Endpoint management system which is designed to provide comprehensive endpoint management capabilities across enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically resides within the lcfd.exe executable that handles communication and processing of endpoint data, making it a core component of the management framework's operational infrastructure. The flaw manifests when the system processes a specially crafted opts field parameter, which is typically used for configuration and operational parameters within the endpoint management protocol. This buffer overflow vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, effectively providing a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation occurs when processing the opts field parameter. When an authenticated user sends a malformed opts field containing excessive data, the lcfd.exe process fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This violation allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and control registers, thereby enabling code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The attack requires only authenticated access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts with legitimate access rights. The operational impact is severe since the lcfd.exe process typically runs with elevated privileges necessary for endpoint management operations, potentially allowing attackers to gain system-level control.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass comprehensive system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate endpoint configurations, access sensitive management data, and potentially use the compromised endpoint as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the enterprise network. The Tivoli Management Framework serves as a central management platform for distributed endpoint systems, making this vulnerability particularly impactful for organizations relying on this solution. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can establish backdoors and maintain long-term access to managed endpoints. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, further amplifying the risk to enterprise environments. Organizations using these Tivoli Management Framework versions face significant exposure since the vulnerability affects multiple major releases, indicating a widespread impact across different deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1220 should prioritize immediate patch application from IBM, as this vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of input validation controls and boundary checking mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against similar vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous patterns in endpoint communication that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other components of the Tivoli Management Framework. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious opts field parameters and block potentially harmful traffic patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in enterprise management systems, particularly those handling authentication and privileged operations.