CVE-2020-4435 in Aspera
Summary
by MITRE
Certain IBM Aspera applications are vulnerable to arbitrary memory corruption based on the product configuration, which could allow an attacker with intimate knowledge of the system to execute arbitrary code or perform a denial-of-service (DoS) through the http fallback service. IBM X-Force ID: 180901.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4435 affects IBM Aspera applications and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution or denial-of-service conditions. This vulnerability specifically impacts the http fallback service component of affected IBM Aspera products, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these file transfer solutions. The flaw stems from improper memory handling within the application's http fallback mechanism, which can be triggered through carefully crafted network requests that exploit the underlying memory management issues.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios. The memory corruption occurs when the http fallback service processes incoming requests without adequate bounds checking or memory validation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged for remote code execution when the attacker has sufficient knowledge of the target system configuration and can craft appropriate malicious payloads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors that can severely compromise system integrity and availability. The ability to perform denial-of-service attacks means that legitimate users may be unable to access critical file transfer services, while the arbitrary code execution capability allows for complete system compromise. Organizations using IBM Aspera applications in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, service interruptions, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The http fallback service component typically operates with elevated privileges, amplifying the potential damage from successful exploitation.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access requirements, as it requires intimate knowledge of the system configuration to effectively exploit the memory corruption. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation and command and control activities, where attackers may use the compromised service to establish persistent access or pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that IBM Aspera applications are often deployed in enterprise environments where they handle sensitive data transfers and may be integrated with critical business processes.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM security patches and updates to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the http fallback service to trusted networks only. Regular security assessments and monitoring of network traffic for suspicious patterns related to the http fallback service should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should review and harden the configuration of IBM Aspera applications to minimize the attack surface and ensure that only necessary services are exposed to external networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in network services and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file transfer applications in enterprise environments.