CVE-2017-1635 in Tivoli Monitoring
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Monitoring V6 6.2.2.x could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a use-after-free error. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system or cause the application to crash. IBM X-Force ID: 133243.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1635 affects IBM Tivoli Monitoring V6 version 6.2.2.x and represents a critical use-after-free error that enables remote code execution capabilities. This flaw exists within the monitoring application's memory management mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory resources where freed memory blocks are still referenced, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application process. The use-after-free condition typically occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to control the execution flow through carefully crafted inputs that manipulate the freed memory contents.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve complete system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively granting them unauthorized access and control over the monitored environment. This represents a severe privilege escalation risk since the monitoring application typically operates with elevated privileges to perform system monitoring functions. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where monitoring systems are often exposed to external network traffic. The potential for system crashes represents a secondary impact that could be leveraged for denial-of-service attacks, further compromising system availability and integrity.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, as attackers can leverage memory corruption flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves crafting malicious input that triggers the use-after-free condition, potentially through network protocols or data processing mechanisms within the monitoring application. Organizations using IBM Tivoli Monitoring V6 should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, particularly in environments where monitoring systems are critical infrastructure components. The remote nature of the exploit makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where such monitoring systems often serve as central points of system visibility and control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1635 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of monitoring systems to untrusted networks and employ network monitoring tools to detect potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of application whitelisting and runtime protection mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected versions of IBM Tivoli Monitoring. System administrators should also monitor for unusual network traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the severity of the vulnerability, organizations should consider temporary network isolation of affected systems until proper patches can be deployed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software lifecycle management practices to prevent similar issues in other monitoring and management applications.