CVE-2015-8277 in FlexNet Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in (1) lmgrd and (2) Vendor Daemon in Flexera FlexNet Publisher before 11.13.1.2 Security Update 1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet with opcode (a) 0x107 or (b) 0x10a.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8277 represents a critical security flaw affecting Flexera FlexNet Publisher software versions prior to 11.13.1.2 Security Update 1. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflows within two key components of the software infrastructure: the lmgrd service and the Vendor Daemon. These buffer overflow conditions create exploitable entry points that could enable remote attackers to gain unauthorized execution capabilities on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets communication protocols used by the licensing system, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited over network connections without requiring local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted network packets that contain specific opcodes 0x107 and 0x10a. These opcodes trigger buffer overflow conditions in the affected software components when processing incoming network traffic. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the licensing daemon processes, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond the allocated buffer space. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over network protocols, enabling exploitation from remote locations without physical access to target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8277 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it could potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain arbitrary code execution privileges, allowing them to install malware, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within affected environments. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on FlexNet Publisher for software licensing management, potentially compromising their entire licensing infrastructure and exposing sensitive data. This type of remote code execution vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. Organizations utilizing this licensing software may face significant operational disruption, as attackers could potentially disable legitimate licensing services or manipulate software entitlements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8277 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to version 11.13.1.2 Security Update 1 or later releases that address the identified buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected services, particularly limiting communication to trusted network segments and blocking unnecessary ports. Regular monitoring of network traffic for anomalous patterns related to the specific opcodes 0x107 and 0x10a can help detect potential exploitation attempts. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strict input validation, and maintaining up-to-date security patches should be enforced across all affected systems. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any additional systems running vulnerable versions of FlexNet Publisher and ensure proper network access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to licensing services. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to avoid potential service disruptions.