// back

Ipswitch Instant Messaging Server Denial of Service Vulnerability

BACKGROUND

Ipswitch Instant Messaging is the instant messaging software that is included with Ipswitch Collaboration Suite (ICS). ICS is a collaboration software system that includes email, shared folders, as well as instant messaging capabilities. More information is available on the vendor's site at the following URL.

http://www.ipswitch.com/products/instant_messaging/

DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a Denial of Service vulnerability in Ipswitch Inc.'s IM Server daemon allows unauthenticated attackers to crash the service.

Under default configuration, the IM Server service does not automatically restart in the event of a failure.

The vulnerable section of code can be reached through any of the following functions.

 DoAttachVideoSender DoAttachVideoReceiver DoAttachAudioSender DoAttachAudioReceiver 

ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to crash the service. The service does not auto-restart.

Successful exploitation would lead to a break in IM communications through the server.

In order to exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must establish a TCP session with the IM Server service on port 5179. No credentials are required to reach the vulnerable code.

DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of the vulnerability in version 2.0.5.30 of Ipswitch Inc's IM Server. Previous versions are suspected to be vulnerable.

WORKAROUND

Employ firewalls, access control lists or other TCP/UDP restriction mechanisms to limit access to systems and services.

VENDOR RESPONSE

Ipswitch has addressed this vulnerability with the 2.07 release of their IM Server. More information can be found at the following URL.

http://www.ipswitch.com/support/instant_messaging/patch-upgrades.asp

CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not been assigned yet.

DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

04/27/2007 Initial vendor notification
07/17/2007 Initial vendor response
07/23/2007 Coordinated public disclosure

CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 Verisign, 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 customer service 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.