1. Introduction
The Versant Connection Services Daemon Arbitrary Command Execution vulnerability affects database services running the Versant Object Database. This allows a remote attacker to run commands on an affected system without needing credentials. Systems commonly affected are Windows servers hosting applications using the Versant database. Successful exploitation could compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and the host itself.
2. Technical Explanation
The Versant Object Database accepts client-supplied input which is then used to launch programs or locate files. This lack of proper validation allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are executed with SYSTEM privileges on Windows systems. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2008-1319.
- Root cause: Missing input validation when handling client requests, leading to command injection.
- Exploit mechanism: An unauthenticated attacker sends a crafted request containing malicious commands to the Versant Connection Services Daemon. The daemon then executes these commands on the host operating system. For example, an attacker could send a request designed to launch ‘cmd.exe’ and execute arbitrary shell commands.
- Scope: Windows systems running affected versions of the Versant Object Database are known to be vulnerable.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability requires checking the version of the installed database service. A thorough assessment involves reviewing network traffic for suspicious requests.
- Quick checks: Use the Windows Services console (services.msc) to check if the “Versant Connection Services Daemon” is running and note its version number.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 28097 can detect this vulnerability, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Examine Versant database logs for unusual process launches or file access attempts. Log locations vary depending on the installation path.
sc query versant
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Currently, there is no known patch available for this vulnerability. Mitigation focuses on restricting network access and monitoring for suspicious activity.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: None known. Roll back plan involves restoring from backup and restarting the service.
- Change window: A standard change window is recommended, with approval from the application owner.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Restrict network access to the Versant Connection Services Daemon port (typically TCP 9876) using Windows Firewall or a similar host-based firewall. Allow only trusted hosts to connect.
- Step 2: Implement robust monitoring of network traffic for suspicious requests targeting the daemon’s port.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name=all
After
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Versant Daemon Access" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=9876 remoteip=/32
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Versant Daemon Block All Other" dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=9876
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – run the Versant service under a dedicated account with minimal necessary permissions to reduce impact if exploited.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# PowerShell example to block access via Windows Firewall
$ruleName = "Versant Daemon Block All Other"
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName $ruleName -Direction Inbound -Action Block -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 9876
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying network access restrictions and re-testing for vulnerability.
- Post-fix check: Use `netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name=Versant Daemon Access` to confirm the firewall rule is in place, allowing only trusted IPs.
- Re-test: Attempt a connection from an untrusted host to port 9876; it should be blocked by the firewall.
- Smoke test: Verify that legitimate applications using the Versant database can still connect and function correctly.
- Monitoring: Monitor Windows Firewall logs for dropped connections targeting port 9876 from unexpected sources.
netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name=Versant Daemon Access
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines and implement checks in deployment pipelines to prevent similar issues.
- Baselines: Update a Windows hardening baseline (for example, CIS benchmark) to include restrictions on network access for unnecessary services like Versant Connection Services Daemon.
- Pipelines: Add static analysis tools to CI/CD pipelines to identify potential command injection vulnerabilities in application code interacting with the database.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for third-party components like databases, ensuring timely updates when patches become available.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Restricting network access could disrupt legitimate applications using the Versant database.
- Roll back: Remove the newly created firewall rules using `netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name=”Versant Daemon Access”` and `netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name=”Versant Daemon Block All Other”`.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://aluigi.altervista.org/adv/versantcmd-adv.txt
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2008-1319
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: None available at this time.