CVE-2009-1077 in Java System Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Change My Password implementation in the admin interface in Sun Java System Identity Manager (IdM) 7.0 through 8.0 does not enforce the RequiresChallenge property setting, which allows remote authenticated users to change the passwords of other users, as demonstrated by changing the administrator s password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1077 represents a critical authorization flaw within Sun Java System Identity Manager version 7.0 through 8.0, specifically affecting the administrative password change functionality. This issue stems from insufficient validation of security policies within the identity management system's administrative interface, creating a scenario where authenticated users can bypass established security controls to modify user credentials without proper authorization. The vulnerability exists in the implementation of the Change My Password feature, which should enforce strict access controls and policy enforcement mechanisms to prevent unauthorized password modifications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper enforcement of the RequiresChallenge property setting within the Identity Manager's administrative framework. This property is designed to mandate additional authentication challenges or verification steps before allowing password changes, particularly for privileged accounts. When this setting is not properly enforced, the system fails to validate whether the user attempting to change a password has the appropriate authorization level and security context required for such an operation. The flaw specifically affects the administrative interface where legitimate administrators can manipulate user accounts, but the system does not properly verify that the action being performed adheres to established security policies and access controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Sun Java System Identity Manager for user authentication and access control management. The ability for remote authenticated users to change administrator passwords creates a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers could gain unauthorized access to critical system functions and administrative capabilities. This vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of the identity management system by allowing unauthorized modification of privileged accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond individual account compromise to threaten overall system integrity, data confidentiality, and access control mechanisms that depend on proper authentication and authorization enforcement.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically representing inadequate access control enforcement where the system fails to properly validate user authorization before permitting sensitive operations. This weakness can be categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials to gain access to privileged accounts, and T1566 Phishing, as the vulnerability may be exploited through social engineering or credential compromise scenarios. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing strict access controls, disabling unnecessary administrative functions, and implementing additional authentication layers to prevent unauthorized access to privileged accounts. The recommended remediation involves updating to patched versions of Sun Java System Identity Manager, implementing proper access control policies, and conducting comprehensive security audits of administrative interfaces to ensure that all security controls are properly enforced. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing robust monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized password change attempts.