CVE-2015-1897 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the FastBackMount process in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1 before 6.1.11.1 allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1898.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1897 represents a stack-based buffer overflow condition within the FastBackMount process component of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1 prior to 6.1.11.1. This flaw exists in the local privilege escalation vector and demonstrates a critical security weakness that enables malicious local users to elevate their system privileges through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2015-1898, indicating that this represents a distinct security flaw within the same software ecosystem. The FastBackMount process serves as a critical component responsible for mounting storage backup volumes and managing the underlying storage operations within the IBM Tivoli environment, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during memory allocation and data handling within the process execution flow, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of stack memory structures through buffer overflow techniques that allow attackers to inject malicious code or manipulate program execution flow. The flaw occurs during the FastBackMount process execution when insufficient validation occurs on input parameters or data structures, enabling attackers to exceed allocated stack buffer boundaries. This condition typically arises when user-supplied input exceeds the predetermined buffer limits, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to redirect program execution or inject malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the system but can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges to higher administrative levels. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices within the application's codebase.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1897 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager environments. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges that may allow them to access restricted system resources, modify backup configurations, or potentially access sensitive data stored within the backup infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack serves as a critical backup and recovery solution, as compromise of this component could lead to complete system infiltration or data loss scenarios. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate backup operations, potentially corrupting backup data or creating persistent access points within the storage infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded because the FastBackMount process typically operates with elevated privileges necessary for storage operations, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous from a security standpoint.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patch for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1.11.1 or later, which addresses the specific buffer overflow condition in the FastBackMount process. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts or unauthorized access within their storage management environments. The remediation process should include monitoring for unusual system behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should implement additional controls such as privilege monitoring, access logging, and regular vulnerability scanning to detect similar issues within the broader Tivoli Storage Manager ecosystem. From an operational security perspective, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege controls and regular security audits of storage management processes to prevent unauthorized access to critical system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in enterprise storage solutions, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and emphasizing the need for robust software security development practices throughout the application lifecycle.