Computer Associates License Client PUTOLF Buffer Overflow
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 03.02.05
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=211&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 can allow attackers to
execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability specifically exists in the handling of the filename
used in PUTOLF requests. A PUTOLF request looks something like this:
A0 PUTOLF 1 H A 10 name 2700 File Contents<EOM>
Using a name over 252 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 Client runs by default and is packaged with
almost all CA software.
IV. DETECTION
iDEFENSE has confirmed that CA License Client 0.1.0.15 is 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-2005-0582 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
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.
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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@idefense.com 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.
