Ipswitch Instant Messaging Server Denial of Service Vulnerability

iDefense Security Advisory 07.23.07
https://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jul 23, 2007

I. BACKGROUND

Ipswitch Instant Messaging is the instant messaging software that is
included with Ipswitch Collaboration Suite (ICS). ICS is a
collaboration software system that includes email, shared folders, as
well as instant messaging capabilities. More information is available
on the vendor's site at the following URL.

https://www.ipswitch.com/products/instant_messaging/

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a Denial of Service vulnerability in Ipswitch
Inc.'s IM Server daemon allows unauthenticated attackers to crash the
service.

Under default configuration, the IM Server service does not
automatically restart in the event of a failure.

The vulnerable section of code can be reached through any of the
following functions.

  DoAttachVideoSender
  DoAttachVideoReceiver
  DoAttachAudioSender
  DoAttachAudioReceiver

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to crash the
service. The service does not auto-restart.

Successful exploitation would lead to a break in IM communications
through the server.

In order to exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must establish a
TCP session with the IM Server service on port 5179. No credentials are
required to reach the vulnerable code.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of the vulnerability in version
2.0.5.30 of Ipswitch Inc's IM Server. Previous versions are suspected
to be vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

Employ firewalls, access control lists or other TCP/UDP restriction
mechanisms to limit access to systems and services.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Ipswitch has addressed this vulnerability with the 2.07 release of their
IM Server. More information can be found at the following URL.

https://www.ipswitch.com/support/instant_messaging/patch-upgrades.asp

VII. CVE INFORMATION

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

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

04/27/2007  Initial vendor notification
07/17/2007  Initial vendor response
07/23/2007  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

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X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2007 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
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reliance on, this information.