Computer Associates BrightStor ARCserve Backup UniversalAgent Buffer
Overflow
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 04.11.05
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=232&type=vulnerabilities
April 11, 2005
I. BACKGROUND
BrightStor ARCserve Backup provides backup and restore protection for
all classes of Windows, NetWare, Linux and UNIX servers, as well as
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX, AS/400 and VMS client environments.
II. DESCRIPTION
Remote exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in Computer
Associates International Inc's BrightStor ARCserve Backup UniversalAgent
may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.
The BrightStor software uses a network agent to perform backups on nodes
across the network. This agent service requires either administrative
credentials or a node-specific password and is capable of backing up
system settings as well as files. This agent will listen on TCP and UDP
ports 6050 by default.
When an agent request is received on the TCP port, with the "option"
field set to 0, 3 or 1000, and a large string preceding this "option"
field in the packet, an overflow will occur. The agent software
includes its own exception handler, preventing the service from
actually crashing. Each time an exception occurs due to this overflow,
the handler will kick in and restore the service back to an operating
state. This particular overflow will cause three exceptions, two of
which are non-exploitable, and one which can be used to hijack
execution.
III. ANALYSIS
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows for a remote
unauthenticated compromise with system level access. Although
exploitation of this vulnerability is not trivial, it has been shown
that it can be done reliably.
IV. DETECTION
Computer Associates BrightStor ARCserve Backup v11 (Win32) has been
confirmed vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
Employ firewalls, access control lists or other TCP/UDP restriction
mechanism to limit access to systems and services.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Vendor advisories and patches for this vulnerability are available at:
BrightStor ARCserve Backup r11.1 for Windows (all components):
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66526&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup r11.1 Client Agent for Windows only:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66527&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup r11.1 for Windows - 64 bit edition:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66534&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup r11.0 for Windows:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66525&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup r11.0 for Windows - 64 bit edition:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66535&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9.01 for Windows English (all components):
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66528&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9.01 for Windows Non-English (all
components):
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66529&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9.01 for Windows - 64 bit edition:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66536&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9.01 Client Agent for Windows only
(English):
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66530&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor ARCserve Backup v9.01 Client Agent for Windows only
(Non-English):
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66531&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor Enterprise Backup v10.5 for Windows:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66524&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor Enterprise Backup v10.5 for Windows - 64 bit edition:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66533&;
startsearch=1
BrightStor Enterprise Backup v10.0 for Windows:
http://supportconnect.ca.com/sc/solcenter/solresults.jsp?aparno=QO66523&;
startsearch=1
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2005-1018 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
12/02/2004 Initial vendor notification
12/02/2004 Initial vendor response
04/11/2005 Coordinated public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp
Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com
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.
