CVE-2015-1941 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
The server in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1 before 6.1.12 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted TCP packet to an unspecified port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1941 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1 before 6.1.12, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the targeted system. This vulnerability resides within the server component of the FastBack storage management solution, which is designed for backup and recovery operations in enterprise environments. The flaw manifests through a specially crafted TCP packet sent to an unspecified port, exploiting a weakness in the protocol handling mechanisms that govern file access operations. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and falls under the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can compromise data confidentiality. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the FastBack server's network processing layer. When the server receives a malformed TCP packet containing crafted data, the system fails to properly validate the packet contents before attempting to process file operations. This processing error allows the attacker to manipulate the system into reading files that should normally be restricted or inaccessible through standard network protocols. The unspecified port characteristic suggests that the vulnerability may affect multiple service endpoints or that the specific port is determined dynamically during the attack execution. This behavior creates additional complexity for network defenders as they must monitor for potential attacks across various port ranges rather than focusing on a single vulnerable endpoint. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient validation leading to unauthorized file access, which can result in exposure of sensitive backup data, configuration files, or system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1941 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise entire backup environments and associated data integrity. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could access backup archives, recovery points, and potentially sensitive data that was intended to be protected by the storage management system. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack is used for critical data protection, as the exposure of backup data could lead to complete data loss scenarios or provide attackers with access to historical versions of sensitive information. The vulnerability also poses risks to system availability, as attackers might use the access to manipulate backup operations or corrupt backup data repositories. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability creates significant issues for organizations required to maintain data confidentiality and integrity, potentially violating regulations such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss requirements. The attack's remote nature means that defenders cannot rely on traditional network segmentation or access control measures to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1941 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version 6.1.12 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the input validation weaknesses. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to FastBack server components, particularly restricting direct network access to systems running the vulnerable software. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual TCP packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including traffic to unexpected ports or malformed packet structures. Access controls should be strengthened to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the FastBack server components, and additional authentication mechanisms should be implemented where possible. System hardening practices should include disabling unnecessary services and ports, implementing proper firewall rules, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust vulnerability management processes that can quickly identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address backup system compromises.