CVE-2013-0527 in Sterling Connect Direct User Interface
Summary
by MITRE
The Browser in IBM Sterling Connect:Direct 1.4 before 1.4.0.11 and 1.5 through 1.5.0.1 does not close pages upon the timeout of a session, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive administrative-console information by reading the screen of an unattended workstation.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-0527 affects IBM Sterling Connect:Direct browser components within specific version ranges, creating a significant security risk through improper session management. This issue manifests when browser sessions timeout but fail to properly close the displayed pages, leaving sensitive administrative console information accessible to unauthorized individuals who gain physical proximity to unattended workstations. The flaw represents a classic session management weakness that undermines the fundamental security principle of ensuring proper resource cleanup upon session termination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the browser component's failure to properly handle session timeout events. When a session expires due to inactivity, the system should automatically close all active pages and clear the display to prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. However, in affected versions of IBM Sterling Connect:Direct, the timeout mechanism does not effectively terminate the browser pages, allowing attackers to view cached or displayed administrative information from the screen of unattended systems. This behavior directly violates security best practices for session management and access control.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for organizations utilizing IBM Sterling Connect:Direct in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to an unattended workstation, making it particularly dangerous in shared office environments, data centers, or any location where workstations remain unattended. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as administrative console access could potentially allow attackers to modify system configurations, view sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration and the improper handling of session timeouts.
The security implications of this vulnerability are exacerbated by the fact that it operates without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. Attackers can simply wait for a user to step away from their workstation and then approach to view the screen, making this a low-effort, high-impact threat. Organizations may not immediately detect such attacks, as they do not generate network-based alerts or require sophisticated tools to execute. This vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1087.001, which covers account access removal through session management bypass, and T1531, which involves account access removal through session termination manipulation.
Organizations should immediately implement the available patch updates from IBM to address this vulnerability, specifically targeting the versions 1.4 before 1.4.0.11 and 1.5 through 1.5.0.1. Beyond patching, administrative controls should be implemented to enforce physical security measures such as screen locks, automatic screen dimming, and mandatory workstation locking policies. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing enhanced monitoring to detect unusual session activity patterns and ensure proper session timeout configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session management in enterprise security systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes both network-based and physical security considerations. Organizations should also review their overall security posture to ensure that administrative interfaces are properly protected against unauthorized access through various attack vectors including physical proximity attacks.