iDEFENSE Security Advisory 03.02.05: Computer Associates License Client and Server Invalid Command Buffer Overflow
Computer Associates License Client and Server Invalid Command Buffer
Overflow
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 03.02.05
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=210&type=vulnerabilities
March 2, 2005
I. BACKGROUND
The Computer Associates License Client/Server applications provide a
method for CA products to register their licenses on the network. The
License Client and Server are distributed with almost all CA software
distributions. More information about Computer Associates software
products is available from:
http://www3.ca.com/Products/
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in Computer
Associates International Inc. License Server and License Client can
allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability specifically exists because of insufficient bounds
checking on user-supplied values in requests with an invalid format.
When a packet containing an overly long string which is not a valid
command is received, the server uses that string to generate a log
message without checking if the buffer that the message is being stored
in is large enough. By sending a string over 2100 bytes long, it is
possible to overwrite the saved instruction pointer, allowing execution
of arbitrary code.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code under the
privileges of Local System (on Windows platforms) or root (on Linux
platforms). The CA License Server does not run by default, but is
packaged with most Computer Associates software distributions. The CA
License Client does run by default and is packaged with almost all CA
software.
IV. DETECTION
iDEFENSE has confirmed that CA License Server 0.1.0.15 and CA License
Client 0.1.0.15 are vulnerable. It is suspected that most CA products
are running vulnerable versions of the client and/or server.
V. WORKAROUND
Use a firewall to only allow trusted hosts to connect to the Computer
Associates License Server and Client ports.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
A vendor advisory for this issue is available at:
http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/ca_common_docs/security_notice.asp
Patches for this issue are available at:
http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/reglic/downloads/licensepatch.asp#a
lp
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2005-0581 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems. This is one of several overflows that have been
assigned CAN-2005-0581.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
02/08/2005 Initial vendor notification
02/09/2005 Initial vendor response
03/02/2005 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
This vulnerability was discovered by Greg MacManus, iDEFENSE Labs.
Get paid for vulnerability research
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http://labs.idefense.com
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright (c) 2005 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
email customerservice@xxxxxxxxxxxx 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.