CVE-2015-7408 in Spectrum Protect
Summary
by MITRE
The server in IBM Spectrum Protect (aka Tivoli Storage Manager) 5.5 and 6.x before 6.3.5.1 and 7.x before 7.1.4 does not properly restrict use of the ASNODENAME option, which allows remote attackers to read or write to backup data by leveraging proxy authority.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7408 affects IBM Spectrum Protect, formerly known as Tivoli Storage Manager, a comprehensive data protection and backup solution used by enterprises worldwide. This security flaw exists in versions 5.5 and 6.x before 6.3.5.1 and 7.x before 7.1.4, representing a critical weakness in the system's authorization mechanisms that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive backup data. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper restrictions on the ASNODENAME option, which is a critical component in the storage management architecture that controls how backup operations are executed across distributed systems.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of the ASNODENAME parameter within the server component of IBM Spectrum Protect. This parameter is designed to specify the node name for backup operations, but the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate this setting to gain unauthorized access to backup data. When properly configured, the ASNODENAME option should restrict operations to authorized nodes only, but the flaw permits remote attackers to leverage proxy authority to bypass these security controls. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and privilege escalation, where an attacker can exploit the system's trust model to perform unauthorized operations that should be restricted to legitimate administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to both read and write backup data without proper authorization. This means that an attacker could potentially access sensitive corporate data that has been backed up, modify backup files, or even delete critical backup operations. The proxy authority aspect of the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to impersonate legitimate system components or users, making detection more difficult and the attack more persistent. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Spectrum Protect face significant risks including data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties due to unauthorized access to backup repositories.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of IBM Spectrum Protect, specifically versions 6.3.5.1 and 7.1.4 or later, which address this vulnerability through proper restriction of the ASNODENAME option. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the backup server, particularly restricting connections to port 1500 which is commonly used by Tivoli Storage Manager. Access controls should be strengthened through proper user authentication, role-based access controls, and regular audit of backup operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1005 for data from local systems, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and access control measures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their backup infrastructure to identify any other potential misconfigurations that could be exploited in similar ways.