CVE-2013-0470 in Netezza Performance Portal
Summary
by MITRE
HTTPD in IBM Netezza Performance Portal 1.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to list application directories containing asset files via a direct request to a directory URI, as demonstrated by listing image files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0470 affects IBM Netezza Performance Portal version 1.0.2, representing a directory traversal and information disclosure weakness within the HTTPD component. This issue enables authenticated remote attackers to access directory listings of application assets by directly requesting directory URIs, potentially exposing sensitive file structures and content to unauthorized parties. The flaw specifically targets the web server's handling of directory requests, allowing attackers who have valid credentials to enumerate and access image files and other asset contents that should remain protected within the application's directory structure.
This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure and directory traversal attacks, which are commonly classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-542 (Information Disclosure Through Directory Listing). The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by users with legitimate credentials who may not have malicious intent but could inadvertently expose sensitive information. The HTTPD server component in the Netezza Performance Portal fails to properly validate and restrict directory access requests, allowing unauthorized enumeration of file systems and application assets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with insights into the application's architecture and file organization patterns. By accessing directory listings, malicious actors can identify the presence of sensitive files, understand the application's directory structure, and potentially discover other vulnerabilities through pattern recognition. The exposure of image files and asset directories can reveal information about the application's content management system, potentially aiding in the development of more sophisticated attacks targeting specific file types or application components. This vulnerability can be leveraged as an initial reconnaissance step in broader attack campaigns against the system.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including restricting directory listing capabilities within the HTTPD configuration, implementing proper access controls and authentication checks for directory requests, and ensuring that the application's directory structure does not expose sensitive information through default configurations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it enables adversaries to enumerate file systems and directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious directory traversal requests, and regularly audit their web server configurations to prevent similar issues. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of the IBM Netezza Performance Portal software, implementing proper input validation for URI requests, and conducting regular security assessments of web server configurations to prevent unauthorized directory access.