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 a heap overflow vulnerability in TIBCO Software
Inc.'s SmartSockets RTserver may allow an attacker to crash the service
or execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

A heap overflow vulnerability exists within the code responsible for
processing requests. Two distinct values from the request are used for
the allocation size and the amount of data copied. Since both values
are attacker controlled, this can lead to a heap overflow, potentially
resulting in the execution of arbitrary code.

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.

IV. DETECTION

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

V. WORKAROUND

iDefense is currently unaware of any workarounds for this issue.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

TIBCO has addressed this vulnerability 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-2007-5658 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

This vulnerability was reported to VeriSign iDefense by McSlibin.

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

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

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright =A9 2008 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 e-mail 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.