CVE-2009-0613 in InterScan Web Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro InterScan Web Security Suite (IWSS) 3.1 before build 1237 allows remote authenticated Auditor and Report Only users to bypass intended permission settings, and modify the system configuration, via requests to unspecified JSP pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0613 affects Trend Micro InterScan Web Security Suite version 3.1 prior to build 1237, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of web content filtering systems. This issue specifically targets the permission validation mechanisms within the IWSS administration interface, where authenticated users with limited privileges can exploit improper access controls to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized system modification capabilities. The vulnerability resides in unspecified JSP pages that handle administrative functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control checks within the web application's server-side components. When authenticated users with Auditor or Report Only roles submit specific requests to the affected JSP pages, the system fails to properly verify whether these users possess the necessary administrative privileges to perform configuration modifications. This weakness aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and demonstrates how inadequate privilege enforcement can lead to privilege escalation attacks. The flaw essentially allows low-privilege users to manipulate system parameters that should only be accessible to administrators or users with full administrative rights.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Trend Micro IWSS for web security management. Attackers who can authenticate as Auditor or Report Only users gain the ability to modify critical system configurations, potentially compromising the entire web filtering infrastructure. This includes the capability to disable security features, modify content filtering rules, change user access policies, and alter system settings that could expose the organization to increased security risks. The impact extends beyond simple configuration changes, as these modifications could be used to establish persistent backdoors or create conditions that allow further exploitation of the network environment.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects users who should normally have restricted access to system configuration functions. The fact that this occurs in a web security appliance means that organizations may unknowingly grant broader access than intended, potentially allowing attackers to compromise their entire web filtering infrastructure. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as it enables unauthorized modification of system settings through legitimate user accounts with limited privileges. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring of administrative functions and user access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0613 should prioritize immediate deployment of Trend Micro's official security patches or updates that address the access control flaws in the affected IWSS versions. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive access reviews to ensure that users are assigned only the minimum required privileges necessary for their roles, implementing the principle of least privilege. Additionally, organizations should enhance their monitoring of administrative activities and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious requests to administrative JSP pages. Regular security assessments of web applications and proper input validation should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the security infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation in security applications and the necessity of regular security updates to address known weaknesses in enterprise security tools.