CVE-2000-1239 in Tivoli Management Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The HTTP interface of Tivoli Lightweight Client Framework (LCF) in IBM Tivoli Management Framework 3.7.1 sets http_disable to zero at install time, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass file permissions on Tivoli Endpoint Configuration data files via an unspecified manipulation of log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1239 represents a critical security flaw within IBM Tivoli Management Framework version 3.7.1, specifically affecting the Tivoli Lightweight Client Framework HTTP interface. This issue stems from an insecure default configuration where the http_disable parameter is set to zero during installation, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the integrity of the system's file access controls. The vulnerability affects organizations utilizing Tivoli Endpoint Configuration data files, which typically contain sensitive operational data and configuration parameters critical to enterprise management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an unspecified manipulation of log files that allows authenticated users to bypass normal file permission restrictions. This flaw operates at the application level within the HTTP interface component of the LCF framework, where the default setting of http_disable=0 effectively disables certain security mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data files. The manipulation of log files serves as the attack vector that enables privilege escalation or information disclosure, potentially allowing malicious actors to access restricted configuration data that should only be available to authorized administrators.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise security infrastructure, particularly in environments where Tivoli Management Framework is deployed for critical system monitoring and management. The ability for remote authenticated users to bypass file permissions creates potential for data exfiltration, configuration manipulation, and system compromise. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive endpoint configuration data becomes accessible to unauthorized personnel, while the vulnerability could also enable attackers to gain insights into system architecture and operational procedures that would otherwise remain protected.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control weaknesses in software systems. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the system's access control mechanisms, allowing unauthorized data access through legitimate authenticated channels. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage authenticated sessions to gain access to restricted files that should remain protected. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of technique T1078 which involves valid accounts and T1566 which involves credential access through manipulation of system files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate configuration changes to properly set http_disable to a non-zero value, ensuring that the HTTP interface enforces appropriate access controls. Organizations should implement regular security audits to verify that default configurations have not been modified inappropriately and establish procedures for monitoring log file integrity. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of the affected interface, while regular patch management processes should be established to address similar configuration vulnerabilities. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of reviewing default settings and implementing proper access control configurations to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components.