CVE-2014-6184 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in dsmtca in the client in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) 5.4 through 5.4.3.6, 5.5 through 5.5.4.3, 6.1 through 6.1.5.6, 6.2 before 6.2.5.4, and 6.3 before 6.3.2.3 on UNIX, Linux, and OS X allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6184 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the dsmtca component of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager client software. This issue affects multiple versions of the TSM client across UNIX, Linux, and OS X operating systems, specifically targeting releases from version 5.4 through 5.4.3.6, 5.5 through 5.5.4.3, 6.1 through 6.1.5.6, 6.2 before 6.2.5.4, and 6.3 before 6.3.2.3. The buffer overflow occurs within the client-side dsmtca utility, which is responsible for handling certain communication protocols and data processing tasks within the storage management framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the dsmtca client component. When processing specific data inputs, the application fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or buffer operations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited through stack-based buffer overflow techniques. This flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process. The vulnerability specifically affects local users who can leverage their existing system access to exploit this weakness, though the impact extends to privilege escalation capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6184 is significant for organizations utilizing IBM Tivoli Storage Manager client software, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges on affected systems, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data, modify storage configurations, or establish persistent access points within the storage infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence across multiple versions of the TSM client means that organizations running any of the affected releases face similar risk profiles, requiring immediate remediation efforts across their entire storage management ecosystem.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager client software. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector that could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. Additional defensive measures should include implementing least privilege access controls for TSM client components, monitoring system logs for suspicious activities, and conducting regular security assessments of storage management infrastructure. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to critical storage management components, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters.