I. BACKGROUND

Novell Inc's ZENworks is a set of tools used to automate IT management and business processes across the various computing resources within an organization.

The Task Server and Collection server daemons provide functionality to manage a distributed network of machines. These daemons will typically only be running on the machine that is being used to manage assets.

For more information see http://www.novell.com/products/zenworks/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of an integer overflow vulnerability in Novell Inc.'s ZENworks Asset Management could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the administrator.

A heap overflow may occur when processing specially crafted packets sent to the Task Server or Collection Server daemons. This problem specifically exists due to an integer overflow when allocating memory for remotely supplied data.

III. ANALYSIS

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to take complete control of the affected system.

While researching this vulnerability, iDefense Labs found that the Task Server and Collection Server components were both affected. Additionally, the Collection Client is statically linked with this library. Information on the vulnerability as it relates to the Collection Client can be found in a separate advisory.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version 7.0.0.36 of the CClient.exe and Msg.dll files included with Novell Inc's ZENworks Asset Management 7.0 SP1. Older versions are suspected to be vulnerable as well.

V. WORKAROUND

iDefense is unaware of any effective workaround for this issue.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Novell's ZENworks team has addressed this vulnerability within ZENworks 7 Asset Management SP1 IR11. More information can be found by visiting http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/searchtid.cgi?/2974824.htm.

VII. CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not been assigned yet.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

10/16/2006 Initial vendor notification
10/19/2006 Initial vendor response
12/01/2006 Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Eric Detoisien.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.

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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.