iDefense Security Advisory 01.15.08: TIBCO SmartSockets RTServer Multiple Untrusted Pointer 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 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
pointers. These pointer values are then used in various memory
operations. Since attackers can control these 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-2007-5655 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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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
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