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Motorola Timbuktu Multiple Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities


I. BACKGROUND

Motorola Inc.'s Timbuktu Pro is a remote control software which allows remote access to a computer's desktop. It is available for Mac OS X and Windows systems and provides integration with Skype and SSH. More information is available from the product web site at the following URL.

http://netopia.com/software/products/tb2/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities within Motorola Inc.'s Timbuktu allows attackers to crash the service or potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

The first issue exists within the handling of malformed application level protocol requests. Certain requests lead to an arbitrary length overflow of a buffer located on the heap.

The second vulnerability exists within the processing of log in requests. By specifying an overly long user name, it is possible to cause heap corruption.

The third vulnerability specifically exists within the "Scanner" functionally. By running a malicious socket server on TCP port 407, an attacker is able to cause a buffer overflow with a malformed "HELLO" response packet.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation of these vulnerabilities allows attackers to crash the Timbuktu Pro server or potentially execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

In all cases, no authentication credentials are required to access the vulnerable code. In order to exploit the first two vulnerabilities, the attacker needs only the ability to initiate a session with the Timbuktu service. This service typically runs on TCP or UDP port 407.

The third vulnerability requires access to the local network since the problem lies in the handling of a response from a scanned server. Additionally, an attacker would need to persuade a user to attempt to connect to the malicious server.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of these vulnerabilities within version 8.6.3.1367 of Motorola Inc.'s Timbuktu Pro for Windows. Older versions are suspected to be vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

Employing firewalls to limit access to the affected service's open ports (TCP and UDP port 407) can help prevent potential exposure to these vulnerabilities.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Motorola Inc. has addressed these vulnerabilities by releasing version 8.6.5 of Timbuktu Pro for Windows. For more information, consult the release notes at the following URL.

ftp://ftp-xo.netopia.com/evaluation/docs/timbuktu/win/865/relnotes/TB2Win865Evalrn.pdf

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2007-4221 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

07/18/2007 Initial vendor notification 07/19/2007 Initial vendor response 08/27/2007 Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

These vulnerabilities was reported to iDefense by Titon of BastardLabs and two anonymous researchers.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 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 customer service 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.



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