CVE-2015-1942 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 write to arbitrary files, and subsequently execute these 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-2015-1942 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1 before 6.1.12, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper file handling mechanisms. 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 when the system processes crafted TCP packets sent to an unspecified port, allowing unauthorized remote attackers to write arbitrary files to the target system and subsequently execute them with elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the FastBack server's network handling routines. When a malicious TCP packet is received, the system fails to properly validate the packet contents or verify the legitimacy of the file write operations being requested. This weakness creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code into the system through carefully constructed network traffic. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper file handling and privilege escalation, with potential implications for CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (Redirect with Improper Validation). The attack vector requires network access to the vulnerable system and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected storage environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects backup and recovery operations that are critical to business continuity, potentially allowing attackers to corrupt backup data or manipulate recovery processes. Organizations using IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack in production environments face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in backup systems. The attack could result in complete system compromise and data loss, particularly if the affected system has elevated privileges or access to critical enterprise data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates, as IBM released version 6.1.12 to address the issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the FastBack server to untrusted networks, utilizing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious TCP traffic patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the FastBack service with minimal required permissions and ensuring that the system is not accessible from public networks. Network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unusual file write operations or attempts to execute arbitrary code. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar issues in other enterprise storage management systems and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. Organizations should also review their backup and recovery procedures to ensure that compromised backup data can be detected and handled appropriately, following security best practices outlined in industry standards such as those provided by the Center for Internet Security and NIST guidelines for secure system administration.