CVE-2012-4861 in InfoSphere
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in InfoSphere Data Replication Dashboard in IBM InfoSphere Replication Server 9.7 and 10.1 through 10.1.0.4 allows remote authenticated users to list directories via a direct request for a directory URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4861 represents a directory traversal weakness within the web server component of IBM InfoSphere Replication Server's Data Replication Dashboard. This issue affects versions 9.7 and 10.1 through 10.1.0.4, where the web server fails to properly validate or restrict access to directory listings. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit the system by directly requesting directory URLs, thereby gaining unauthorized access to directory structures that should otherwise remain protected. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the web server implementation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal. The vulnerability operates through a simple yet effective mechanism where authenticated users can manipulate URL parameters to access directories beyond their intended scope. The web server in question does not implement proper access controls or path validation checks that would prevent users from traversing the file system hierarchy. This allows attackers to enumerate directory contents, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, source code, or other system artifacts that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the confidentiality and integrity of the system by enabling unauthorized directory enumeration. While the vulnerability requires authentication, it significantly weakens the security posture of the InfoSphere Replication Server as it allows attackers who have valid credentials to gain additional information about the system's file structure. This reconnaissance capability can facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including potential privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth by failing to properly restrict access to system resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address this directory traversal vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the impact of authenticated access. The web server configuration should be reviewed to ensure proper path validation and access control enforcement. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual directory listing requests. This vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and access control mechanisms as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of web application security. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader system architecture.