CVE-2006-1211 in Netcool Neusecure
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Micromuse Netcool/NeuSecure 3.0.236 configures a MySQL database to allow connections from any source IP address with the ns database account, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Netcool/NeuSecure application layer and perform unauthorized database actions. NOTE: IBM has privately confirmed to CVE that a fix is available for these issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1211 affects IBM Tivoli Micromuse Netcool/NeuSecure version 3.0.236, representing a critical database access control flaw that undermines the security architecture of the platform. This issue stems from improper database configuration where the MySQL database instance is set up to accept connections from any source IP address using the ns database account credentials. The flaw exists at the network level configuration rather than within the application logic itself, creating an inherent weakness in the system's defense-in-depth approach. This misconfiguration effectively removes the network boundary controls that should normally protect the database from unauthorized access attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the MySQL database server being configured with overly permissive access controls that do not properly validate source IP addresses or implement proper authentication mechanisms. The ns database account, which is specifically designated for Netcool/NeuSecure operations, is configured with minimal restrictions allowing connections from any IP address, essentially creating a backdoor that bypasses the application layer security controls. This configuration violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of insufficient access control as categorized under CWE-284. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to establish direct database connections without proper application-level authentication, effectively circumventing the intended security model of the Netcool/NeuSecure platform.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on Netcool/NeuSecure for network monitoring and security operations. Attackers who discover this misconfiguration can perform unauthorized database actions including but not limited to data manipulation, unauthorized data access, database schema changes, and potential data exfiltration. The bypass of the application layer means that any security controls implemented within the Netcool/NeuSecure application itself become ineffective, as attackers can directly interact with the underlying database. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely first identify the database service and then exploit the weak access controls.
The security implications extend beyond immediate unauthorized access to include potential data integrity compromise and system availability issues. Database administrators and security teams face the challenge of identifying and remediating this issue without disrupting legitimate operations, as the configuration affects the core database connectivity mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper network segmentation and database access control policies, particularly in environments where sensitive operational data is stored. Organizations should consider implementing network access control lists, database firewalls, and regular security audits to prevent similar misconfigurations. The availability of a fix from IBM indicates that this was a recognized security issue that required vendor intervention to address the root cause through proper database access control configuration. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining proper database security configurations and the potential consequences of leaving default or overly permissive settings in place.