CVE-2015-6947 in AccuRev
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the activate_doit function in the Reprise License Manager service in Borland AccuRev allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) akey or (2) actserver parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6947 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Reprise License Manager service component of Borland AccuRev software. This vulnerability exists specifically within the activate_doit function, which processes license activation requests from clients. The flaw manifests when the service receives malformed input through either the akey or actserver parameters, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory regions. Such buffer overflow conditions typically occur when input validation is insufficient and the application fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied data before copying it into fixed-length stack buffers. The vulnerability presents a significant risk as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring authentication or local access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over network connections, enabling exploitation from remote locations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates how improper input handling in license management services can create persistent security weaknesses that remain exploitable across network boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6947 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. Remote code execution vulnerabilities of this nature provide attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to affected systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or deployment of additional malware. The Reprise License Manager service typically runs with elevated privileges to manage software licensing, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain administrative control over the host system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify license files, or even deploy ransomware directly onto the target infrastructure. The fact that this vulnerability affects a license management service also introduces additional attack surface considerations, as these services often maintain persistent network connections and may be accessible from multiple network segments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, significantly expanding the potential attack vectors and reducing the barriers to successful exploitation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services for privilege escalation and persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6947 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The primary recommendation involves applying vendor-provided patches or updates that correct the buffer overflow conditions in the Reprise License Manager service. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to license management services, particularly restricting access to only trusted administrative networks. Input validation controls should be enhanced to include proper bounds checking for all parameters received by the service, particularly those used in license activation workflows. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual network activity patterns related to license service communications can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security configuration reviews should ensure that the license manager service runs with minimal required privileges and that unnecessary network exposure is eliminated. Network-based mitigations such as firewalls and access control lists should restrict access to the specific ports used by the Reprise License Manager service to only authorized administrative systems. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other software components that may present comparable risks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches to ensure that security updates do not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the service's core license management capabilities.