CVE-2013-0472 in Tivoli Storage Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Web GUI in the client in IBM Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) 6.3 before 6.3.1.0 and 6.4 before 6.4.0.1 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to obtain unspecified client access, and consequently obtain unspecified server access, via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0472 affects the web graphical user interface component within IBM Tivoli Storage Manager client versions 6.3 before 6.3.1.0 and 6.4 before 6.4.0.1. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of client-server communications within enterprise storage management systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and encryption mechanisms employed by the web GUI interface, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to both client and server resources. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple attack surfaces may be compromised, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on Tivoli Storage Manager for critical data protection operations.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient implementation of secure communication protocols within the web GUI component of the Tivoli Storage Manager client. This weakness enables man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can intercept and potentially manipulate communication between the client and server components. The vulnerability likely stems from inadequate certificate validation procedures, weak encryption implementations, or missing security headers that would normally protect against such attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which encompasses cryptographic weaknesses in authentication and communication protocols, specifically addressing the failure to properly implement secure communication channels. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with the MITM technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1573.002 sub-technique for "Encrypted Channel" and T1046 for "Network Service Scanning" which can precede such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise, system control hijacking, and unauthorized administrative privileges within the storage management environment. Organizations utilizing affected Tivoli Storage Manager versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, potential data exfiltration, and disruption of storage management operations. The vulnerability's ability to grant unspecified server access suggests that attackers could potentially escalate privileges and gain control over storage servers, leading to broader system compromise. This threat is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Tivoli Storage Manager typically manages critical backup and recovery operations, making the potential impact on business continuity and data integrity substantial. The vulnerability could be exploited to gain access to sensitive backup data, manipulate storage policies, or disrupt critical storage operations, potentially leading to data loss or service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0472 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to upgrade affected Tivoli Storage Manager client versions to 6.3.1.0 or 6.4.0.1 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement additional network security controls including mandatory certificate validation, secure communication protocol enforcement, and network monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle activity. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure proper configuration of secure communication channels. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for secure system administration, organizations should also establish robust incident response procedures specifically addressing man-in-the-middle attacks and cryptographic vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and continuous monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activities remain essential defensive measures against this and similar vulnerabilities.