CVE-2015-0119 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
FastBack Mount in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1.x before 6.1.11.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by connecting to the Mount port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0119 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1.x versions prior to 6.1.11.1. This issue specifically affects the FastBack Mount component which operates on a dedicated network port, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Mount service implementation, allowing remote attackers to craft specially malformed network requests that trigger arbitrary code execution on the targeted system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through network-based attacks targeting the Mount port, which serves as the primary interface for the FastBack Mount service. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the FastBack service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer," as the flaw involves buffer overflow conditions that allow attackers to overwrite memory segments and redirect execution flow. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," which describes how adversaries use remote access capabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0119 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the affected environment. Organizations running vulnerable FastBack versions face significant risk, particularly in environments where storage management systems are accessible from untrusted networks or where the service operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of valid user credentials, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise storage infrastructure. Network-based attacks can be initiated from anywhere on the internet, potentially affecting organizations with exposed storage management services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment to upgrade to IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1.11.1 or later versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the Mount port, limiting connectivity to only trusted systems and administrators. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability assessments of all storage management systems to identify potentially affected components and ensure that all related services are properly updated. Security teams must also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential exploitation scenarios and maintain awareness of related vulnerabilities within the IBM Tivoli Storage Manager ecosystem.