CVE-2020-28198 : Security Advisory and Response

IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Version 5 Release 2 (Command Line Administrative Interface, dsmadmc.exe) is vulnerable to a stack buffer overflow in the 'id' parameter when used interactively.

Understanding CVE-2020-28198

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in an unsupported version of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager that can be exploited through an interactive mode.

What is CVE-2020-28198?

The 'id' parameter in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Version 5 Release 2 is susceptible to a stack buffer overflow, allowing attackers to potentially execute malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28198

This vulnerability affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer, limiting the potential impact to legacy systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28198

IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Version 5 Release 2 is affected by a specific vulnerability that can be exploited under certain conditions.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a stack buffer overflow in the 'id' parameter of dsmadmc.exe, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Version 5 Release 2
Vendor: IBM
Versions: All versions of the affected product

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited when the 'id' parameter is used interactively, bypassing character limitations that prevent exploitation in batch or command line usage.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable interactive mode usage of the 'id' parameter if possible.
Implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems.
Monitor and analyze network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate users on secure practices and the risks associated with legacy software.
Consider upgrading to supported versions of software to benefit from security updates.

Patching and Updates

As this vulnerability affects unsupported versions, consider upgrading to a supported version of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager to mitigate the risk of exploitation.