CVE-2015-5409 in Version Control Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in HP Version Control Repository Manager (VCRM) before 7.5.0 allows remote authenticated users to modify data or cause a denial of service via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5409 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within HP Version Control Repository Manager VCRM software versions prior to 7.5.0. This issue affects the core data handling mechanisms of the version control system that manages software configurations and repository states across enterprise environments. The buffer overflow condition occurs when the application processes user-supplied input without adequate bounds checking, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw specifically impacts the data integrity and availability aspects of the system, as it allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate repository contents or disrupt system operations through carefully crafted input sequences. This vulnerability exists within the software's input validation and memory management functions, which are fundamental components responsible for maintaining the consistency and reliability of version control operations.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the VCRM service or cause denial of service conditions that can render the repository manager inoperable. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the application may be susceptible to this memory corruption issue, potentially including API endpoints, configuration management interfaces, or data import/export functions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests that exceed buffer limits, leading to stack corruption or heap memory manipulation that can be used to escalate privileges or redirect execution flow. The authenticated nature of the attack requires users to have valid credentials within the system, but this does not significantly reduce the risk as it can still be exploited by compromised accounts or insider threats. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5409 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential data corruption and unauthorized modifications to version-controlled software repositories. Organizations relying on HP VCRM for managing critical software configurations face significant risks including unauthorized code changes, repository state manipulation, and potential exposure of sensitive version control data. The vulnerability can be particularly damaging in environments where software development and deployment processes depend on accurate repository integrity, as attackers could introduce malicious code changes or corrupt version history information that would compromise the entire software development lifecycle. Additionally, the denial of service component of this vulnerability can prevent legitimate users from accessing critical repository functions, effectively halting development activities and causing operational downtime. The attack surface is further complicated by the fact that VCRM systems often serve as central points for software configuration management across multiple development teams and projects, amplifying the potential impact of a successful exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for HP VCRM versions prior to 7.5.0, as this represents the most effective method to address the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of VCRM systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of input validation controls and memory safety measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though these are secondary to the primary patching requirement. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their version control infrastructure to identify any other systems potentially affected by similar buffer overflow conditions, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in software development practices. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory management and input validation should be implemented to prevent similar issues from emerging in future software releases, aligning with best practices outlined in the software security development lifecycle frameworks and attack mitigation strategies defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for enterprise security operations.