CVE-2011-3123 in InfoSphere DataStage
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.5 and 8.5.0.1 on Unix and Linux, as used in IBM InfoSphere DataStage 8.5 and 8.5.0.1 and other products, uses weak permissions for unspecified files, which allows local users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2015
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3123 affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 8.5 and 8.5.0.1 when deployed on Unix and Linux operating systems. This security flaw resides within the permission settings of unspecified files within the IBM InfoSphere DataStage 8.5 and 8.5.0.1 software ecosystem. The weakness in file permissions creates an exploitable condition that enables local attackers to escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the software's security architecture, as it provides unauthorized users with mechanisms to elevate their access rights beyond normal operational boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper file permission configurations that allow local users to manipulate system resources in ways that should be restricted to authorized administrative personnel. The unspecified nature of the affected files suggests that multiple system components may be vulnerable, potentially including configuration files, executable binaries, or data storage elements. This weakness creates a privilege escalation vector that aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework, where local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are frequently exploited to gain elevated system access. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-276 indicates improper file permissions, which represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that can lead to unauthorized access and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or potentially establish persistent access within the information server environment. Local users who exploit this vulnerability could gain access to confidential information processed by the information server, potentially compromising data integrity and confidentiality. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects enterprise-level data integration platforms where sensitive business information and personal data are routinely processed. Organizations using IBM InfoSphere Information Server in production environments face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited by users with minimal system access, including employees or contractors with legitimate but limited access rights.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official IBM security patches and updates. System administrators must conduct comprehensive audits of file permissions across all affected IBM InfoSphere Information Server installations to identify and correct improper access controls. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that all system files and directories have appropriate access restrictions based on their required functionality. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual privilege escalation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of system access activities. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar permission misconfigurations across the enterprise infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper file access controls in preventing unauthorized privilege escalation attacks. The remediation process should include verification that all system components have been properly updated and that no residual vulnerabilities remain in the configuration.