TIBCO Enterprise Message Service vulnerability

   Original release date: January 15, 2008
   Last revised: --
   Source: TIBCO Software Inc.


Systems Affected

   TIBCO Enterprise Message Service (EMS) versions 4.0.0 through 4.4.1

   The following components are affected:

     * TIBCO EMS Server (tibemsd)


Overview

   The TIBCO EMS server contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in
   processing of inbound data via SmartSockets.  The impact of this 
   vulnerability may include remote execution of arbitrary code,
   information disclosure, and denial of service. 


I. Description

   TIBCO has released an update which addresses a critical vulnerability
   in the server component of TIBCO EMS when used in conjunction with
   TIBCO SmartSockets.  This vulnerability affects the EMS server if an
   attacker controls the SmartSockets Server, or is able to inject data
   into the TCP stream between the SmartSockets and EMS servers.  TIBCO
   strongly recommends sites running the affected component to install
   the update or take mitigating action as appropriate.


II. Impact

   The impact of this vulnerability varies depending on the operating
   system, configuration options of the server, and the privilege
   levels of the user that invokes the server.

   On Unix based systems, the successful exploit will allow arbitrary
   code execution with the privileges of the user that invoked the
   server.

   On Windows based systems, the successful exploit will allow
   arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user that
   invoked the server.  If the server component is installed as a
   system service, this will result in access to system privileges.


III. Solution

   SmartSockets support in the EMS server is disabled by default.
   If SmartSockets support has been enabled, upgrade TIBCO EMS to
   version 4.4.2 or above.  This is strongly recommended.

   If an upgrade is not possible, the following actions can mitigate
   the vulnerability:

     * Disable SmartSockets support by setting "tibss_transports"
       to "disabled" in the configuration file for the EMS server
       (tibemsd.conf).  
     * Ensure that all SmartSockets servers specified in the
       "server_names" field of the transports configuration file
       (transports.conf) are fully trusted, and that injection of
       data into the rtserver/tibemsd connection is prevented.


References

   http://www.tibco.com/mk/advisory.jsp


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TIBCO would like to extend its appreciation to McSlibin and Sean
Larsson (iDefense Labs) for discovery of these vulnerabilities, which
have been addressed in the 4.4.2 release.

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