CVE-2015-1898 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-2015-1897.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1898 represents a stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the FastBackMount process of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1 prior to 6.1.11.1. This security weakness resides in the core component responsible for mounting storage backup operations and presents a significant privilege escalation risk for local attackers who can manipulate input data to trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability operates through an unspecified vector that differs from the related CVE-2015-1897, indicating a distinct attack surface within the same software ecosystem. The FastBackMount process typically runs with elevated privileges necessary for storage operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow a local user to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than originally intended.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the FastBackMount process where stack memory allocation does not properly constrain user-supplied data lengths. When malicious input exceeds the allocated buffer size, it overflows into adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting return addresses and control flow information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where the buffer size is insufficient to handle the input data. The attack vector leverages local system access to manipulate process execution flow, bypassing normal privilege boundaries that should prevent unauthorized escalation. Attackers can craft specific inputs that trigger memory corruption during process execution, enabling them to inject and execute malicious code within the elevated privilege context of the FastBackMount process.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1898 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it represents a critical security weakness in enterprise backup infrastructure that could compromise entire storage environments. Local users with minimal system access can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to access sensitive backup data, modify storage configurations, or establish persistent access points within the storage management system. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1, creating risk for enterprise environments where backup systems contain critical data and where local access might be obtained through legitimate user accounts or compromised credentials. The attack could result in unauthorized data access, backup data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the privileges available to the attacking user and the specific configuration of the FastBack environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1898 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1.11.1 or later versions where the buffer overflow vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and stack memory management. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege separation to limit local user access to systems running FastBack processes, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior in storage management processes, particularly around backup mount operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 privilege escalation through local exploitation, and organizations should consider implementing security controls that align with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's approach to detecting and preventing local privilege escalation attacks. Additionally, regular security assessments of backup infrastructure components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other storage management applications that might share similar code bases or architectural patterns with the vulnerable FastBack implementation.