September 2007

Computer Associates BrightStor HSM r11.5 Multiple Vulnerabilities

iDefense Security Advisory 09.27.07
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Sep 27, 2007

I. BACKGROUND

Computer Associates BrightStor Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) is an application used to create a tiered storage solution for enterprises that require on demand access to large quantities of data. The HSM caches frequently used files on hard drives for fast access, and stores seldom used files on tape. Access to files stored on tape is transparent to the client applications. The CsAgent process (CsAgent.exe) is a component of the HSM suite, and listens on TCP port 2000. More information can be found at the following URL.

http://www3.ca.com/solutions/Product.aspx?ID=5586

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities in Computer Associates International Inc.'s (CA) BrightStor HSM allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

These problems specifically exist within various command handlers in the CsAgent service. There are eleven command handlers that contain one or more stack based buffer overflow vulnerabilities each. All of these vulnerabilities are simple sprintf() calls that overflow fixed size stack buffers with attacker supplied data.

Additionally, there are five command handlers that are vulnerable to integer overflow vulnerabilities. In addition to this, the function responsible for reading in and dispatching a request to the appropriate handler also contains an integer overflow vulnerability. In each case, a 32-bit integer is taken from the packet and either added or multiplied to determine how much memory to allocate. When these calculations cause an integer wrap, a heap buffer of insufficient size is allocated. Later, a heap overflow occurs when filling the buffer.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation of these vulnerabilities results in the execution of arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. Unsuccessful attempts will crash the service, but it will be restarted by a watchdog process soon thereafter.

In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must be able to establish a TCP session on port 2000 with the vulnerable host. No authentication is required.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities in Computer Associates BrightStor HSM version r11.5. Previous versions may also be affected.

V. WORKAROUND

iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Computer Associates has addressed these vulnerabilities with the release of version r11.6. For more information, consult CA's security notice at the following URL.

http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/bstorhsm/infodocs/bstorhsm-secnot.asp

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2007-5082 to the stack-based buffer overflow issues.
Additionally, the name CVE-2007-5083 has been assigned to the integer overflow issues. These identifiers are candidates for inclusion in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/) which standardizes names for security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

04/13/2007  Initial vendor notification
04/13/2007  Initial vendor response
09/27/2007  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

The discoverer of the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities wishes to remain anonymous. The integer overflow vulnerabilities were discovered by Sean Larsson (VeriSign iDefense Labs). 

Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php

Free tools, research and upcoming events http://labs.idefense.com/

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
 There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.

This advisory contains information released by the original author. Some of the information may have changed since it was released. If the issue affects you, it may be prudent to retrieve the advisory from the site of the original source to ensure that you receive the most current information concerning that problem. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by CPNI.

The views and opinions of authors expressed within this notice shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. CPNI shall not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions contained within this advisory. In particular, they shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever, arising from or in connection with the usage of information contained within this advisory.

CSIRTUK is a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and has contacts with other international Incident Response Teams (IRTs) in order to foster cooperation and coordination in incident prevention, to prompt rapid reaction to incidents, and to promote information sharing amongst its members and the community at large.