CVE-2014-0876 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Java GUI Configuration Wizard and Preferences Editor in the backup-archive client in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) 5.x and 6.x before 6.2.5.2, 6.3.x before 6.3.2, and 6.4.x before 6.4.2 on Windows and OS X allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash or hang) via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0876 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Java-based graphical user interface components of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager backup-archive client software. This issue affects multiple versions of the TSM software including 5.x and 6.x series, specifically targeting the GUI Configuration Wizard and Preferences Editor modules that are integral to the client-side administration interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the backup and recovery infrastructure that organizations rely upon for critical data protection operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt business continuity.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from improper input validation within the Java-based GUI components that handle user interactions and configuration settings. When local users interact with the Configuration Wizard or Preferences Editor, the application fails to properly bounds-check data inputs, allowing maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw manifests in the form of application crashes or system hangs that effectively render the backup client unusable. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local system access but can be exploited by any user with access to the system, potentially allowing attackers who have already compromised a system to escalate their privileges or cause more severe disruptions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it directly affects the reliability and availability of critical backup operations. Organizations utilizing IBM Tivoli Storage Manager for their data protection strategies face significant risks when this vulnerability exists in their environment, as it can lead to complete service outages for backup and recovery operations. The affected versions span multiple major releases, indicating that this was a persistent flaw that required multiple patches across different software versions. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and OS X operating systems demonstrates its cross-platform nature and the broad scope of affected installations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in GUI applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as it allows local users to disrupt system operations and potentially gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves local system access and manipulation of the GUI configuration interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the system or where privilege separation is not properly enforced.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager versions 6.2.5.2, 6.3.2, and 6.4.2, as well as ensuring that all systems are updated to the latest available security patches. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local user access to critical backup infrastructure, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software versions and ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, particularly given the vulnerability's impact on core data protection infrastructure that organizations depend upon for business continuity and disaster recovery operations.