CVE-2010-3017 in Access Manager Agent
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in RSA Access Manager Agent 4.7.1 before 4.7.1.7, when RSA Adaptive Authentication Integration is enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain sensitive information via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3017 represents a critical security flaw within RSA Access Manager Agent version 4.7.1 before 4.7.1.7 that specifically impacts environments utilizing RSA Adaptive Authentication Integration. This issue constitutes a significant weakness in the authentication framework that could potentially allow malicious actors to circumvent established security controls and gain unauthorized access to protected systems and data. The vulnerability exists in the interaction between the RSA Access Manager Agent and the adaptive authentication mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the integrity of the authentication process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from unspecified attack vectors that enable remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials. When RSA Adaptive Authentication Integration is enabled, the system's normal authentication flow becomes compromised, allowing attackers to bypass the intended security measures. This flaw operates at the authentication layer where the system should validate user credentials and enforce access controls, yet fails to properly validate or process authentication requests. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism enabling the bypass remains unclear, though it likely involves manipulation of authentication tokens, session management, or integration protocols between the agent and authentication services.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches and system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness could gain access to sensitive information stored within systems protected by RSA Access Manager, including user credentials, personal identifiable information, and confidential business data. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in distributed environments. Organizations relying on this authentication system could face significant regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if exploited successfully.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a clear example of how integration points between security components can create attack surfaces. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and credential access techniques, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within networks and establish persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to version 4.7.1.7 or later, disabling RSA Adaptive Authentication Integration if not essential, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. Network segmentation and additional authentication layers should be considered as compensating controls while the primary vulnerability is addressed through official patches and updates from RSA.