CVE-2008-3488 in iManager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Novell iManager before 2.7 SP1 (2.7.1) allows remote attackers to delete Plug-in Studio created Property Book Pages via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3488 affects Novell iManager version 2.7 SP1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to delete Property Book Pages created through the Plug-in Studio component. This issue falls under the broader category of unauthorized data manipulation within enterprise identity management systems, where the attacker can leverage unspecified vectors to compromise the integrity of configuration data. The vulnerability exists within the access control mechanisms of the iManager platform, specifically targeting the administrative capabilities associated with Property Book Pages that are dynamically created through the Plug-in Studio interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the iManager administration console. Property Book Pages serve as configuration elements that define how user attributes and properties are displayed and managed within the Novell identity management framework. When these pages are created through Plug-in Studio, they become integral components of the system's administrative interface, yet the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal authorization checks to perform deletion operations. This weakness represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where remote adversaries can manipulate system resources without proper authentication or authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data deletion, as Property Book Pages often contain critical configuration information that governs user access rights, attribute mappings, and system behavior within the Novell environment. Attackers could potentially disrupt user authentication processes, modify access control policies, or remove essential configuration elements that would require significant administrative effort to restore. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries need not have physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where iManager servers are exposed to external networks. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to gain deeper access to the identity management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Novell iManager 2.7 SP1 or later versions, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control flaws. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to iManager servers, restrict remote administrative access through firewalls, and enforce strict authentication controls for administrative accounts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deletion patterns in administrative interfaces, and regular audits of Property Book Pages and Plug-in Studio configurations should be conducted. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability affects organizations operating under standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework, particularly in areas related to access control and data integrity. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques categorized under the mitre att&ck framework within the privilege escalation and defense evasion domains, specifically targeting the use of administrative tools and unauthorized access to system configuration data.