CVE-2012-4832 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
Information Services Framework (ISF) in IBM InfoSphere Information Server 8.1, 8.5 before FP3, and 8.7 and InfoSphere Business Glossary 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 does not have an off autocomplete attribute for the password field on the login page, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4832 affects IBM InfoSphere Information Server and InfoSphere Business Glossary products, specifically versions 8.1, 8.5 before fix pack 3, 8.7, and 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 of the business glossary component. This security flaw resides within the Information Services Framework which serves as the core infrastructure for these enterprise data integration and governance platforms. The vulnerability stems from a missing security configuration on the login page's password field that should have implemented the autocomplete="off" attribute to prevent browser-based password caching mechanisms from storing credentials.
The technical implementation flaw involves the absence of proper HTML form attributes that would prevent web browsers from automatically completing password fields during login processes. When the autocomplete attribute is not explicitly set to "off" for password inputs, modern browsers may cache login credentials in their password managers or suggest previously entered passwords. This behavior creates a significant security risk when users access the system from shared or public workstations, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple personnel may use the same physical machine. The vulnerability specifically targets unattended workstations where an attacker could potentially access a cached password simply by returning to the browser after another user has logged out.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a pathway for unauthorized access through social engineering and physical security breaches. Attackers can exploit this weakness by observing a user's login process, particularly if the user leaves their workstation unattended, or by accessing systems where password caching has occurred. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where workstations are shared or where users may not consistently log out of their sessions, making the attack surface significantly larger than initially apparent. This weakness can be categorized under CWE-384 as the use of a predictable password field in a web application, which represents a specific instance of insecure credential handling practices.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. The attack pattern follows the T1110 technique of credential access through the exploitation of weak or predictable authentication mechanisms, while also supporting T1078 which involves legitimate credentials usage. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can create significant security risks in enterprise environments, particularly when combined with poor physical security practices or inadequate user education about proper session management.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including the application of the relevant IBM fix packs for the affected versions, specifically ensuring that all instances of the Information Services Framework have the autocomplete="off" attribute properly configured on password fields. System administrators should also enforce strict physical security measures for workstations, implement mandatory session timeout policies, and conduct regular security awareness training for personnel. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the login page configurations to ensure that browsers are properly prevented from caching passwords, and organizations should consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to provide defense-in-depth against credential-based attacks.