Computer Associates License Client PUTOLF Buffer Overflow

iDEFENSE Security Advisory 03.02.05
www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=211&type=vulnerabilities
March 2, 2005

I. BACKGROUND

The Computer Associates License Client/Server applications provide a 
method for CA products to register their licenses on the network. The 
License Client and Server are distributed with almost all CA software 
distributions. More information about Computer Associates software 
products is available from:

   http://www3.ca.com/Products/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in Computer 
Associates International Inc. License Server can allow attackers to 
execute arbitrary code.

The vulnerability specifically exists in the handling of the filename 
used in PUTOLF requests. A PUTOLF request looks something like this:

A0 PUTOLF 1 H A 10 name 2700 File Contents<EOM>

Using a name over 252 bytes long, it is possible to overwrite the saved 
instruction pointer, allowing execution of arbitrary code.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code under the
privileges of Local System (on Windows platforms) or root (on Linux 
platforms). The CA License Client runs by default and is packaged with 
almost all CA software.

IV. DETECTION

iDEFENSE has confirmed that CA License Client 0.1.0.15 is vulnerable. It

is suspected that most CA products are running vulnerable versions of 
the client and/or server.

V. WORKAROUND

Use a firewall to only allow trusted hosts to connect to the Computer 
Associates License Server and Client ports.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

A vendor advisory for this issue is available at:

http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/ca_common_docs/security_notice.asp

Patches for this issue are available at:

http://supportconnectw.ca.com/public/reglic/downloads/licensepatch.asp#a
lp

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2005-0582 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

02/08/2005  Initial vendor notification
02/09/2005  Initial vendor response
03/02/2005  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was discovered by Greg MacManus, iDEFENSE Labs.

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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
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part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
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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.