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TIBCO SmartSockets RTserver Multiple Untrusted Pointer Offset Vulnerabilities

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/

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.

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.

DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities in TIBCO SmartSockets version 6.8.0. Previous versions may also be affected.

WORKAROUND

iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for these issues.

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

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.

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

CREDIT

These vulnerabilities were discovered McSlibin and Sean Larsson of VeriSign iDefense Labs.

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LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2008 Verisign, Inc.

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