CVE-2009-0170 in Java System Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Access Manager 6.3 2005Q1, 7 2005Q4, and 7.1 allows remote authenticated users with console privileges to discover passwords, and obtain unspecified other "access to resources," by visiting the Configuration Items component in the console.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0170 affects Sun Java System Access Manager versions 6.3 2005Q1, 7 2005Q4, and 7.1, representing a significant security flaw that enables authenticated attackers with console privileges to compromise sensitive information. This issue resides within the management console component of the access management system, specifically in the Configuration Items section where administrators can view and modify system settings. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in the privilege separation mechanisms and information disclosure controls that should normally protect sensitive system credentials and configuration data from unauthorized access.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users with console privileges navigate to the Configuration Items component within the Sun Java System Access Manager console. This particular interface fails to properly enforce access controls and information sanitization measures, allowing attackers to extract passwords and gain access to unspecified additional resources within the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the existing authentication mechanism to escalate privileges within the administrative interface, effectively bypassing expected security boundaries that should protect sensitive credentials and configuration parameters. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks and inadequate input/output filtering within administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with access to unspecified other resources that could include system configuration data, user permissions, and potentially sensitive organizational information. The ability to discover passwords within a security management system creates a cascading risk where compromised credentials can be used to escalate privileges throughout the enterprise access management infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on centralized access management systems, as it undermines the trust model that these systems are designed to maintain. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability requires only authentication privileges, not administrative-level access, making it accessible to users with lower privilege levels who have been granted console access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access control enforcement within the administrative console, particularly in the Configuration Items component. Organizations should ensure that all sensitive information displayed in administrative interfaces is properly sanitized and that access controls are enforced at multiple levels within the application. The recommended approach includes implementing principle of least privilege, ensuring that console users only have access to the specific components necessary for their role, and applying proper input validation and output filtering to prevent information leakage. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) categories, and could be mapped to ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging around administrative console access to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for security investigations.