CVE-2015-4932 in Tivoli Storage Manager Fastback
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the server in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1 before 6.1.12.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4931, CVE-2015-4933, CVE-2015-4934, and CVE-2015-4935.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4932 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FastBack 6.1 server components. This security weakness exists in the network protocol handling mechanism that processes incoming packets from remote clients. The flaw manifests when the server receives a specially crafted packet that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the server-side processing logic that manages communication with FastBack clients, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this storage management solution for their data protection infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the packet processing functions of the FastBack server application. When a maliciously crafted packet is received, the server fails to properly validate the packet size or content before attempting to copy data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the application does not enforce proper boundary checks on user-supplied data, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires network access to the FastBack server and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected FastBack server. Successful exploitation allows remote threat actors to execute malicious code with the privileges of the FastBack service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations using this storage management solution face significant risks including data theft, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the FastBack server, which is responsible for backup and recovery operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt business continuity or access sensitive backup data. The impact is particularly severe because FastBack servers often contain critical organizational data and may be configured with elevated privileges, amplifying the potential damage from successful exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches released in FastBack 6.1.12.1 and subsequent versions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to FastBack server ports only to trusted administrative networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the FastBack service with minimal required permissions and ensuring proper access controls are in place. Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual packet patterns or attempted exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability may be targeted by automated scanning tools. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify the specific packet structures associated with this vulnerability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicating the multi-stage nature of potential attacks that could leverage this weakness. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that similar weaknesses do not exist in other components of the storage management infrastructure, as this vulnerability represents a pattern of inadequate input validation that may be present in other parts of the FastBack suite.