CVE-2008-5329 in Rational ClearQuest
Summary
by MITRE
ClearQuest Web in IBM Rational ClearQuest MultiSite before 7.1 allows remote servers to direct a client s submissions and changes to an arbitrary database by specifying multiple comma-separated server identifiers on the JTLRMIREGISTRYSERVERS line in a jtl.properties file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5329 represents a critical configuration flaw within IBM Rational ClearQuest MultiSite version 7.0 and earlier, specifically affecting the ClearQuest Web component. This issue stems from improper input validation in the jtl.properties configuration file where the JTLRMIREGISTRYSERVERS parameter accepts comma-separated server identifiers without adequate sanitization or authorization checks. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the database routing behavior of client systems by injecting malicious server identifiers, effectively allowing them to redirect database operations to arbitrary targets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust model inherent in the ClearQuest MultiSite architecture where client systems accept server configurations from remote sources without sufficient validation mechanisms. When a client processes a jtl.properties file containing multiple comma-separated server identifiers, the system fails to verify that these identifiers correspond to legitimate, authorized database servers. This lack of validation creates a path for attackers to specify malicious database endpoints that can receive client submissions and changes, potentially leading to data exfiltration, injection attacks, or unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to redirect database operations to malicious servers they control, enabling them to intercept sensitive data, modify database content, or establish persistent access points within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects multi-site deployments where distributed database operations are common, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments that rely on ClearQuest MultiSite for configuration management and database coordination. This weakness undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the distributed database architecture and creates opportunities for lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and access controls for configuration files, particularly those containing server identifier specifications. Organizations should enforce mandatory authentication and authorization checks for all database server identifiers, implement network segmentation to restrict access to database resources, and regularly audit configuration files for unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical configuration files and establish secure configuration management practices that prevent untrusted sources from providing server specifications to client systems.