CVE-2012-0742 in Tivoli
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Event Pump 4.2.2, when the LOG_REQUESTS and VALIDATE_SOAP_USERS options are enabled, places credentials into the AOPSCLOG (aka AOPLOG) data set, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0742 affects IBM Tivoli Event Pump version 4.2.2, representing a significant security flaw in how the system handles authentication and logging processes. This issue manifests when specific configuration options LOG_REQUESTS and VALIDATE_SOAP_USERS are enabled, creating an insecure logging mechanism that inadvertently exposes sensitive authentication data to unauthorized local users. The vulnerability stems from the system's failure to properly sanitize or encrypt authentication credentials before storing them in the AOPSCLOG data set, which is also known as AOPLOG. This represents a classic case of improper data handling and information exposure, where sensitive credentials are stored in plain text format without adequate protection measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between the Tivoli Event Pump's logging functionality and its authentication validation processes. When LOG_REQUESTS is enabled, the system records detailed information about incoming requests, including authentication tokens and user credentials. Simultaneously, VALIDATE_SOAP_USERS activates SOAP user validation, which requires the system to process and store authentication information. The combination of these two options creates a scenario where credentials are not only processed but also persistently stored in the AOPSCLOG data set without proper security controls. This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to CWE-542, concerning the exposure of information through logging mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates poor input validation and output handling practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent risk for local system users who may have access to the AOPSCLOG data set. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to obtain authentication credentials that could be used for unauthorized access to the system or related services. The vulnerability essentially provides an information disclosure attack vector that allows adversaries to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the environment. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Tivoli Event Pump is deployed, as it could enable attackers to move laterally within the network and potentially compromise additional systems that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the logging infrastructure itself, which is typically considered a trusted component of the system architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0742 should focus on both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct approach involves disabling the LOG_REQUESTS and VALIDATE_SOAP_USERS options when they are not absolutely required for operational purposes, thereby eliminating the credential logging functionality that creates the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit who can read from the AOPSCLOG data set, ensuring that only authorized administrative personnel have access to sensitive information. Additionally, implementing encryption for sensitive data at rest, as recommended by security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-57, would provide protection even if the system is compromised. The remediation process should also include regular security audits and monitoring of logging configurations to prevent similar issues from arising in other system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper data handling practices, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics and techniques, particularly those related to credential dumping and privilege escalation.