CVE-2015-1986 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 execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1938.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1986 affects IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1 before 6.1.12, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system access. This vulnerability resides within the server component of the FastBack storage management solution, which is designed for data protection and backup operations across enterprise environments. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands without authentication, potentially compromising the entire storage infrastructure and underlying systems that rely on this backup solution for data recovery operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from unspecified attack vectors that likely involve improper input validation or buffer overflow conditions within the server's processing mechanisms. Unlike CVE-2015-1938 which addresses a different class of vulnerabilities, CVE-2015-1986 specifically targets the server component's ability to handle remote requests, suggesting that the flaw exists in how the system processes incoming network communications. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-119 which encompasses weaknesses related to memory safety and improper handling of input data that can lead to code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that FastBack servers often operate in enterprise environments where they may be accessible over networks and contain sensitive backup data from multiple systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as it could enable attackers to access and manipulate critical backup data, potentially leading to data loss, system downtime, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations utilizing IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized data access or destruction, especially when the server is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local credentials to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is common. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 which describes exploitation of remote services for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack version 6.1.12 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to restrict access to FastBack server components, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and ensure proper network monitoring is in place to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patch in non-production environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing backup operations and configurations.