CVE-2011-5093 in Best Practical
Summary
by MITRE
Best Practical Solutions RT 4.x before 4.0.6 does not properly implement the DisallowExecuteCode option, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and execute arbitrary code by leveraging access to a privileged account, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4458 and CVE-2011-5092.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5093 affects Best Practical Solutions RT 4.x versions prior to 4.0.6, representing a critical security flaw in the access control implementation of the Remedy Ticketing system. This vulnerability specifically targets the DisallowExecuteCode option that is designed to prevent code execution within the application environment, creating a dangerous bypass mechanism for authenticated users who possess privileged accounts. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions and execute arbitrary code, fundamentally undermining the system's security posture and potentially allowing for complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper enforcement of the DisallowExecuteCode configuration option within the RT 4.x platform. When this setting is enabled, it should prevent execution of arbitrary code within the application context, yet the flaw allows authenticated users with elevated privileges to bypass this restriction entirely. The vulnerability operates through a combination of privilege escalation and code execution techniques that leverage existing access to privileged accounts, making it particularly dangerous as it requires only legitimate authentication rather than exploitation of additional weaknesses. This bypass mechanism demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security model where configuration-based access controls are not properly enforced at runtime.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5093 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted account, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system manipulation, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) indicates that it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's authorization mechanisms, while its relationship to CVE-2011-4458 and CVE-2011-5092 demonstrates that it operates through a distinct exploitation vector that requires the specific combination of privileged access and the bypass of code execution restrictions. Organizations utilizing RT 4.x systems before version 4.0.6 face significant risk of unauthorized code execution that could result in complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5093 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to RT 4.0.6 or later versions where the DisallowExecuteCode option is properly implemented and enforced. System administrators should also implement strict access control measures, including regular review of privileged accounts and enforcement of the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring of privileged account activities can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify similar configuration-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers would leverage legitimate privileged access to execute malicious code within the system environment.