CVE-2013-0519 in Sterling Secure Proxy
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling Secure Proxy 3.2.0 and 3.3.01 before 3.3.01.23 Interim Fix 1, 3.4.0 before 3.4.0.6 Interim Fix 1, and 3.4.1 before 3.4.1.7 provides web-server version data in (1) an unspecified page title and (2) an unspecified HTTP header field, which allows remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information by reading a version string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0519 affects IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions 3.2.0 and 3.3.01 prior to 3.3.01.23 Interim Fix 1, 3.4.0 prior to 3.4.0.6 Interim Fix 1, and 3.4.1 prior to 3.4.1.7. This issue represents a information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the web server exposes version information through both page titles and HTTP header fields. The flaw enables remote attackers to gather potentially sensitive version data without requiring authentication or privileged access, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this proxy solution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure exposure of software version strings within the web server's response headers and page titles. When the proxy server processes requests, it includes version information in HTTP headers and HTML page titles, making it readily accessible to any remote attacker who can observe network traffic or perform web requests against the system. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of defense in depth and least privilege, as it provides attackers with specific version details that could be used to identify known vulnerabilities in the software stack. The vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1592, "Get Technical Information," as it facilitates reconnaissance activities by exposing system version information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed version strings can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed version information to identify specific vulnerabilities that have been previously discovered in the IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions, potentially enabling exploitation of known security flaws. The exposure of version information also undermines the security posture by providing attackers with precise software version details that can be used to tailor attack vectors, determine patch levels, and identify potential exploit targets. This information can be particularly valuable when combined with vulnerability databases and exploit frameworks, as it allows attackers to quickly identify relevant exploits and attack patterns specific to the affected versions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by applying the appropriate interim fixes and patches released by IBM for the affected versions. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of IBM Sterling Secure Proxy, specifically versions 3.3.01.23, 3.4.0.6, and 3.4.1.7 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and filtering measures to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts based on the exposed version information. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications and services that depend on the secure proxy functionality. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar information disclosure issues within their broader technology infrastructure and implement consistent security hardening practices that prevent version information exposure across all web applications and services.