CVE-2010-4601 in Rational ClearQuest
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in IBM Rational ClearQuest 7.0.x before 7.0.1.11, 7.1.1.x before 7.1.1.4, and 7.1.2.x before 7.1.2.1 allow attackers to have an unknown impact via vectors related to third-party .ocx files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4601 affects IBM Rational ClearQuest versions 7.0.x prior to 7.0.1.11, 7.1.1.x prior to 7.1.1.4, and 7.1.2.x prior to 7.1.2.1, representing a critical security flaw in enterprise software configuration management systems. This issue stems from improper handling of third-party ocx files, which are dynamic link libraries commonly used for ActiveX controls in Windows environments. The unspecified nature of the vulnerabilities suggests multiple attack vectors that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise, making this a particularly dangerous flaw in enterprise software environments where ClearQuest is commonly deployed for requirements management, issue tracking, and change control processes.
The technical flaw manifests in how IBM Rational ClearQuest processes and loads third-party ocx files within its application framework, creating potential injection points that attackers can exploit through maliciously crafted or manipulated ActiveX controls. These ocx files are typically used for user interface components, data validation, and integration with other Microsoft Office applications, but when improperly validated or loaded, they can serve as entry points for malicious code execution. The vulnerability architecture aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, where the application's search path for external components is not properly secured, and potentially with CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, if the flaw involves buffer overflow conditions during ocx file processing. The attack surface is particularly concerning because ClearQuest is often deployed in corporate environments where users may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive business data, making successful exploitation potentially devastating.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to corporate databases, manipulate change control processes, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive intellectual property or business-critical information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges within the ClearQuest environment, potentially compromising the integrity of requirements tracking, issue resolution workflows, and change management processes that organizations rely upon for software development lifecycle management. The implications are particularly severe in regulated industries where audit trails and compliance requirements depend on the integrity of tracking systems. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could involve executing malicious code through the compromised ActiveX components, and potentially T1106 Execution through API calls that interact with the vulnerable ocx file loading mechanisms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches released for IBM Rational ClearQuest versions 7.0.1.11, 7.1.1.4, and 7.1.2.1, which address the specific ocx file loading vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of ClearQuest systems, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potentially compromised installations. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual ocx file loading patterns or suspicious ActiveX control usage within the application environment. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which third-party components can be loaded by ClearQuest applications, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other software components that may share similar loading mechanisms. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in enterprise software, particularly when dealing with third-party component integration.