CVE-2007-5437 in Etrust Integrated Threat Management
Summary
by MITRE
The web console in CA (formerly Computer Associates) eTrust ITM (Threat Manager) 8.1 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites via a crafted HTTP URL on port 6689.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5437 resides within the web console component of CA eTrust ITM version 8.1, formerly known as Threat Manager. This security flaw manifests as a web-based open redirect vulnerability that affects the application's handling of HTTP URLs on port 6689, which serves as the default management interface for the security solution. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations utilizing this version of the threat management platform, as it enables malicious actors to exploit the application's redirect functionality for unauthorized purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web console's URL processing mechanism. When users access the management interface on port 6689, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate redirect parameters that are passed through HTTP requests. This allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that contain crafted redirect targets, enabling them to redirect unsuspecting users to arbitrary web sites of their choosing. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the management interface is accessible over the network. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-601 as an Open Redirect vulnerability, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where applications fail to validate redirect destinations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks such as phishing campaigns, credential theft, and social engineering operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to direct users to malicious websites that appear to be legitimate management interfaces, potentially capturing credentials or deploying malware. The exposure of the management interface on port 6689 makes it particularly attractive to attackers who can perform reconnaissance and exploit this weakness without requiring additional access vectors. Organizations using this version of eTrust ITM face increased risk of unauthorized access to their security infrastructure, as the vulnerability can be exploited from external networks without requiring prior authentication. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the management interface typically contains sensitive information and administrative controls that could be compromised through such redirection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches or updates to the eTrust ITM platform. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to port 6689, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious redirect patterns in HTTP traffic. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough network scans to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper access controls are implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper URL handling in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through phishing and other manipulation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to help identify suspicious redirects and maintain regular vulnerability assessment programs to identify similar weaknesses in their security infrastructure.