CVE-2016-1606 in RUMBA
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in COM objects in Micro Focus Rumba 9.4.x before 9.4 HF 13960 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) the NetworkName property value to ObjectXSNAConfig.ObjectXSNAConfig in iconfig.dll, (2) the CPName property value to ObjectXSNAConfig.ObjectXSNAConfig in iconfig.dll, (3) the PrinterName property value to ProfileEditor.PrintPasteControl in ProfEdit.dll, (4) the Data argument to the WriteRecords function in FTXBIFFLib.AS400FtxBIFF in FtxBIFF.dll, (5) the Serialized property value to NMSECCOMPARAMSLib.SSL3 in NMSecComParams.dll, (6) the UserName property value to NMSECCOMPARAMSLib.FirewallProxy in NMSecComParams.dll, (7) the LUName property value to ProfileEditor.MFSNAControl in ProfEdit.dll, (8) the newVal argument to the Load function in FTPSFTPLib.SFtpSession in FTPSFtp.dll, or (9) a long Host field in the FTP Client.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1606 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting multiple COM objects within Micro Focus Rumba 9.4.x versions prior to 9.4 HF 13960. This vulnerability resides in several dynamic link libraries including iconfig.dll, ProfEdit.dll, FtxBIFF.dll, NMSecComParams.dll, and FTPSFtp.dll, creating multiple attack vectors that could potentially allow remote code execution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within these COM components, specifically when processing user-supplied data through various properties and function arguments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple distinct code paths that all share the common characteristic of insufficient boundary checking for string inputs. Attackers can exploit this by providing overly long input values to specific properties such as NetworkName, CPName, PrinterName, UserName, LUName, and Host fields. These inputs are processed through functions like WriteRecords and Load without proper buffer size validation, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability manifests as stack-based buffer overflows, which according to CWE-121, represent a classic form of memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution when carefully crafted input causes stack pointer manipulation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments that utilize Micro Focus Rumba for mainframe connectivity and terminal emulation. The attack surface is broad due to the multiple affected components, allowing threat actors to potentially compromise systems through various entry points including network-based attacks targeting the FTP client functionality, or through more sophisticated exploitation techniques targeting the COM object interfaces. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit these vulnerabilities, making them particularly dangerous in networked environments where these components may be exposed to untrusted network traffic.
The impact of successful exploitation extends beyond simple code execution to potentially full system compromise, as attackers could leverage these buffer overflows to gain elevated privileges or establish persistent access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under multiple techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, reflecting the multi-stage nature of exploitation. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of these vulnerable components, alongside immediate patching of affected systems to remediate the underlying buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in COM-based applications and serves as a reminder of the risks associated with legacy software components that may not adhere to modern security practices.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patch for Micro Focus Rumba 9.4 HF 13960, which addresses all identified buffer overflow conditions. Network administrators should also implement strict input validation policies at network boundaries and consider disabling unnecessary COM object interfaces when possible. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the specific function calls and property assignments mentioned in the vulnerability description. The remediation process should also include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected COM components within the enterprise environment that may exhibit similar security weaknesses.