CVE-2011-2330 in Tivoli Management Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Tivoli Endpoint in IBM Tivoli Management Framework 3.7.1, 4.1, 4.1.1, and 4.3.1 has an unspecified "built-in account" that is "trivially" accessed, which makes it easier for remote attackers to send requests to restricted pages via a session on TCP port 9495, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-1220.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2330 affects IBM Tivoli Management Framework versions 3.7.1, 4.1, 4.1.1, and 4.3.1, specifically targeting the Tivoli Endpoint component within this management framework. This issue represents a critical authentication weakness that stems from the presence of a built-in account with weak access controls, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized remote access to restricted administrative functions. The vulnerability manifests through TCP port 9495, which serves as the primary communication channel for the affected Tivoli Endpoint services, making it distinct from the related CVE-2011-1220 vulnerability that affects different components of the same framework. The presence of this built-in account with trivial access credentials fundamentally undermines the security posture of the Tivoli Management Framework, as it provides attackers with a well-known, predictable entry point that requires minimal effort to exploit.
The technical flaw in CVE-2011-2330 resides in the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the Tivoli Endpoint service, where a default account with weak or well-known credentials exists in the system configuration. This built-in account is designed to provide initial access for system administration but fails to be properly secured or disabled in production environments. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to establish authenticated sessions on TCP port 9495 without requiring legitimate user credentials or proper authorization processes. This weak authentication mechanism enables attackers to send requests to restricted pages and access administrative functions that should be protected from unauthorized access. The trivial nature of the access indicates that either the account password is easily guessable, the account is enabled by default without proper security configuration, or the authentication process itself has been compromised through inadequate credential management practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain deeper control over the managed endpoints. Since the Tivoli Management Framework is designed for enterprise-wide endpoint management, successful exploitation could enable attackers to manipulate endpoint configurations, deploy malicious software, or gain visibility into network infrastructure managed by the framework. The fact that this vulnerability operates over TCP port 9495 means that it can be exploited from external network positions, potentially allowing attackers to conduct reconnaissance and establish persistent access to managed systems without requiring physical presence or insider knowledge. This creates significant risk for organizations that rely on Tivoli Endpoint for critical infrastructure management, as the vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor for attackers to bypass normal security controls and access restricted management interfaces.
Organizations affected by CVE-2011-2330 should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable built-in account, changing default credentials, and ensuring proper network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 9495. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure credential management that violates fundamental security principles. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the built-in account to gain unauthorized access to restricted functionality. Network administrators should also consider implementing firewall rules to restrict access to port 9495 to only trusted network segments and establish monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper account lifecycle management and the necessity of disabling default accounts in enterprise security configurations to prevent exploitation of well-known authentication weaknesses that can be easily discovered through routine security assessments.