How to remediate – Sybase M-Business Anywhere (AvantGo) Sync Server Detection

1. Introduction

Sybase M-Business Anywhere (AvantGo) Sync Server Detection identifies a mobile application service running on your network. This service handles data synchronisation between mobile devices and web servers, potentially exposing sensitive information if not properly secured. Affected systems are typically those used by organisations providing offline access to business data via the Sybase M-Business Anywhere platform. A successful exploit could lead to unauthorised data access or modification, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because a Sybase M-Business Anywhere Sync Server is actively listening for connection requests. While not inherently malicious, its presence indicates a potential attack surface that requires assessment. An attacker could attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities within the sync server software or intercept communication between the server and mobile devices. There are no publicly assigned CVEs currently associated with simply detecting this service.

• Root cause: The Sybase M-Business Anywhere Sync Server is running and accessible on the network.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the sync server software, such as authentication bypass or data injection flaws. They might also try a man-in-the-middle attack to intercept sensitive data during synchronisation.
• Scope: Affected platforms are those running Sybase M-Business Anywhere (formerly AvantGo) Sync Server. Specific versions should be checked against vendor documentation.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm the presence of a vulnerable system by checking for the listening service or examining relevant logs. A quick check involves identifying the process name and port number, while thorough assessment requires reviewing configuration files.

• Quick checks: Use netstat -an | grep to see if the sync server is listening on a known port (default ports vary).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 10384 can detect Sybase M-Business Anywhere. This is an example only, and may require updating.
• Logs and evidence: Check application logs for events related to synchronisation requests or user activity. Log file locations depend on the installation directory.

netstat -an | grep 443

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to assess the necessity of the service and, if not required, decommission it. If required, ensure it’s patched to the latest version and properly secured.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to the original installation media or a recovery image in case of rollback. A roll back plan involves restoring from backup or reinstalling the previous version.
• Change windows may be needed depending on business impact, requiring approval from IT management and application owners.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: If the service is not required, stop the Sybase M-Business Anywhere service using the Windows Services manager or equivalent Linux command.
2. Step 2: Uninstall the Sybase M-Business Anywhere software from the server.
3. Step 3: If the service is required, download and install the latest patch for your version of Sybase M-Business Anywhere from the vendor website.

4.3 Config or Code Example

This vulnerability does not typically involve a specific configuration change but rather the presence of an active service.

Before

Service is running and listening on port 443

After

Service is stopped or uninstalled. No process listening on port 443.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help mitigate risks associated with this type of service.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to the sync server and its data to only authorised users and systems.
• Practice 2: Patch cadence – regularly update the Sybase M-Business Anywhere software to address known vulnerabilities.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is not typically suitable for this vulnerability, as it involves decommissioning or patching a specific service.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that the service is no longer running and listening on its default port. A negative test involves attempting to connect to the sync server from a mobile device.

• Post-fix check: Run netstat -an | grep again; there should be no output indicating the service is listening.
• Re-test: Re-run the initial detection method (e.g., Nessus scan) to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer detected.
• Monitoring: Monitor application logs for any errors related to synchronisation or connectivity issues.

netstat -an | grep 443

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Proactive measures include regular security assessments and maintaining a current software inventory.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline to include checks for unnecessary services like Sybase M-Business Anywhere.
• Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle to ensure timely updates for all software assets.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Decommissioning the service may disrupt mobile access to business data. Patching could introduce compatibility issues.

• Risk or side effect 2: Patching may cause temporary connectivity issues or require application restarts; schedule patching during off-peak hours.
• Roll back: Restore the Sybase M-Business Anywhere configuration from backup if decommissioning fails, or uninstall the patch and restore the previous version if patching causes compatibility problems.

8. References and Resources

Refer to official vendor documentation for specific guidance on securing Sybase M-Business Anywhere.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.sybase.com/products/allproductsa-z/m-businessanywhere