CVE-2020-5779 in Messaging
Summary
by MITRE
A flaw in Trading Technologies Messaging 7.1.28.3 (ttmd.exe) relates to invalid parameter handling when calling strcpy_s() with an invalid parameter (i.e., a long src string parameter) as a part of processing a type 4 message sent to default TCP RequestPort 10200. It's been observed that ttmd.exe terminates as a result.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5779 resides within Trading Technologies Messaging version 7.1.28.3, specifically within the ttmd.exe executable component. This flaw manifests during the processing of type 4 messages transmitted to the default TCP RequestPort 10200, representing a critical security weakness in the messaging infrastructure that handles financial trading communications. The vulnerability stems from improper parameter validation within the application's string handling mechanisms, creating a potential pathway for service disruption and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper invocation of the strcpy_s() function with an excessively long source string parameter. This invalid parameter handling constitutes a classic buffer overflow scenario that violates fundamental secure coding practices. When the application processes a malformed type 4 message containing an oversized string payload, the strcpy_s() function receives a source parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition triggers undefined behavior and results in the immediate termination of the ttmd.exe process, effectively causing a denial of service condition that disrupts trading operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption to encompass potential financial transaction disruptions within trading environments. The ttmd.exe process serves as a critical messaging component that facilitates communication between trading systems and market data feeds, making its instability particularly dangerous in production environments. When the process terminates unexpectedly, it creates gaps in market data transmission and trading communication channels that can result in missed trading opportunities, failed transactions, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal network access to send a specially crafted type 4 message to the designated TCP port, making it relatively easy to exploit in targeted attacks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a failure in proper input validation and parameter checking. The issue demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that violate the principle of least privilege and input sanitization. Security analysts should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1499 category of Network Denial of Service, where adversaries can exploit application-level flaws to disrupt services. The vulnerability's impact on trading systems makes it particularly concerning for financial institutions that rely on continuous market data availability and transaction processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the Trading Technologies Messaging software to the latest available version that addresses this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the default TCP RequestPort 10200, limiting exposure to unauthorized actors. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual termination patterns of the ttmd.exe process and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments of trading infrastructure components should be conducted to identify similar parameter handling flaws that may exist in other messaging or communication protocols within the financial trading ecosystem.