iDefense Security Advisory 01.15.08: TIBCO SmartSockets RTserver Multiple Untrusted Pointer Offset Vulnerabilities
iDefense Security Advisory 01.15.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jan 15, 2008
I. BACKGROUND
TIBCO SmartSockets is a message passing framework used to transport
messages over disparate channels. The RTserver is the server component
of the framework. More information can be found on the vendor's web
site at the following URL.
http://www.tibco.com/software/messaging/smartsockets/
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of multiple untrusted pointer offset vulnerabilities
in TIBCO Software Inc.'s SmartSockets RTserver may allow an attacker to
crash the service or execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.
When processing requests, SmartSockets uses values from the requests as
offsets added to valid pointers. The resulting pointer values are then
used in various memory operations. Since attackers can control these
offset values, potentially exploitable conditions arise.
III. ANALYSIS
Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM
privileges. Unsuccessful attempts will likely crash the RTserver. The
service does not restart, which makes repeated exploitation attempts
more difficult.
The RTserver is the core component of the SmartSockets framework.
Without it, applications will be unable to pass messages. The severity
of these issues will likely vary depending on the the application using
the SmartSockets framework.
IV. DETECTION
iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities in TIBCO
SmartSockets version 6.8.0. Previous versions may also be affected.
V. WORKAROUND
iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for these issues.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
TIBCO has addressed these vulnerabilities by releasing new versions of
their software. For more information, consult their advisory at the
following URL.
http://www.tibco.com/mk/advisory.jsp
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2007-5657 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
10/23/2007 Initial vendor notification
12/04/2007 Second vendor notification
12/05/2007 Initial vendor response
01/15/2008 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
These vulnerabilities were discovered McSlibin and Sean Larsson of
VeriSign iDefense Labs.
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X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright © 2008 iDefense, Inc.
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