CVE-2012-0700 in InfoSphere FastTrack
Summary
by MITRE
The client in InfoSphere FastTrack 8.1 through 8.7 in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.1, 8.5 before FP3, and 8.7 does not properly store credentials, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0700 resides within the client component of IBM InfoSphere FastTrack 8.1 through 8.7, which is part of the broader IBM InfoSphere Information Server ecosystem. This issue represents a critical weakness in credential handling mechanisms that affects multiple versions of the information server platform, specifically targeting versions 8.1, 8.5 before fix pack 3, and 8.7. The flaw manifests in the improper storage of authentication credentials, creating a persistent security weakness that undermines the intended access control measures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability involves inadequate credential management within the FastTrack client implementation. When users authenticate to the system, their credentials are stored in a manner that fails to meet standard security practices for sensitive data protection. This improper storage mechanism allows local users to access credential information that should remain protected and restricted. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-522 as "Insufficiently Protected Credentials" and represents a direct violation of secure credential handling principles. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces may be exploitable, potentially including file system access, process memory inspection, or other local privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing IBM InfoSphere Information Server platforms. Local users who can access the system may leverage this weakness to bypass intended access restrictions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information systems. This compromise directly affects the principle of least privilege and can enable lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains active as long as the system operates, making it particularly dangerous for long-running systems. From an attack perspective, this issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1550.002 for "Use Alternate Authentication Material" and represents a classic case of credential dumping that can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained local access.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available fix packs for IBM InfoSphere Information Server, particularly addressing the issues in version 8.5 FP3 and subsequent releases. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of credential storage mechanisms and implement proper credential protection measures such as encryption at rest and secure credential handling practices. The remediation process should include reviewing and hardening local system access controls, implementing proper file system permissions, and ensuring that credential information is not stored in plaintext or easily accessible formats. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential access patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar credential storage issues across the enterprise infrastructure and ensure compliance with security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for access control and information protection.