CVE-2010-4602 in Rational ClearQuest
Summary
by MITRE
The Web client in IBM Rational ClearQuest 7.1.1.x before 7.1.1.4 and 7.1.2.x before 7.1.2.1 allows remote authenticated users to bypass "restricted user" limitations, and read arbitrary records, via a modified record number in the URL for a RECORD action, as demonstrated by a modified bookmark.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4602 affects IBM Rational ClearQuest Web client versions 7.1.1.x before 7.1.1.4 and 7.1.2.x before 7.1.2.1, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the application's security model. This vulnerability operates within the context of a web-based application that manages database records through a client-server architecture, where users interact with the system through a web interface. The flaw specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that should prevent users from accessing records beyond their designated permissions, particularly affecting users classified as "restricted users" who should have limited access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within the URL parameter handling mechanism. When users navigate to specific records through the web interface, the application constructs URLs containing record identifiers that are expected to be validated against the user's permission levels. However, the vulnerability allows authenticated users to manipulate the record number parameter in the URL for RECORD actions, effectively bypassing the built-in access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized data access. This manipulation can be demonstrated through bookmark modifications, where a user can simply alter the record identifier in an existing bookmark to access records that should be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access violations, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application's access control system. Restricted users who should only be able to view specific records or perform limited actions can now potentially read arbitrary records within the system, creating a significant data exposure risk. This vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure application design, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges through simple URL parameter manipulation. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where ClearQuest is used for managing sensitive business data, configuration management, or compliance-related records.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with restricted permissions being used to access unauthorized resources. Organizations implementing IBM Rational ClearQuest should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited by any authenticated user with basic access to the system. The remediation approach involves implementing proper input validation for URL parameters, strengthening access control checks, and ensuring that all record access requests are properly authenticated against the user's permission levels. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to perform reconnaissance activities within the system's data access boundaries.