CVE-2012-0705 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
InfoSphere Import Export Manager in InfoSphere Information Server MetaBrokers & Bridges (MBB) in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.1, 8.5 before FP3, 8.7, and 9.1 does not validate unspecified input data, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0705 affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server MetaBrokers & Bridges component, specifically within the InfoSphere Import Export Manager functionality. This security flaw exists in multiple versions of the IBM InfoSphere Information Server platform including versions 8.1, 8.5 before fix pack 3, 8.7, and 9.1. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or validate unspecified input data received by the system. This weakness creates a critical security exposure that can be exploited by remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate system behavior through maliciously crafted input. The unspecified input data processing mechanism within the InfoSphere Import Export Manager lacks proper sanitization controls, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. This flaw operates at the application level and specifically targets the MetaBrokers & Bridges component that handles data import and export operations within the information server environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by authenticating to the system and then submitting specially crafted input that bypasses normal validation procedures, ultimately leading to unauthorized command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the authenticated user. This can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM InfoSphere Information Server in enterprise environments where data integration and management services are critical. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access points within the organization's information technology infrastructure. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system and can exploit this vulnerability from external network locations.
Organizations should immediately apply the relevant IBM fix packs and security updates to address this vulnerability, particularly focusing on upgrading to IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.5 FP3 or later versions. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected components. Regular monitoring of system logs and network traffic should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in security architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This incident highlights the critical need for comprehensive security testing and validation of input handling mechanisms in enterprise information management systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical enterprise infrastructure components.