CVE-2013-3023 in Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager (TADDM) 7.1.2 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.1.4 might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information about Tomcat credentials by sniffing the network for a session in which HTTP is used. IBM X-Force ID: 84361.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-3023 affects IBM Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager versions 7.1.2 and 7.2.0 through 7.2.1.4, representing a significant security weakness in enterprise application dependency discovery tools. This vulnerability specifically targets the communication protocols used by TADDM to interact with Tomcat servers, creating an avenue for attackers to intercept and extract sensitive authentication credentials through network sniffing activities. The issue stems from the insecure transmission of session information over unencrypted HTTP connections, which violates fundamental security principles for protecting sensitive data in transit. Organizations utilizing this discovery manager for application dependency mapping and inventory management face potential exposure of their Tomcat server credentials, which could lead to unauthorized access to critical application environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that TADDM is designed to discover and map application dependencies across complex enterprise environments, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to understand network architecture and identify potential attack vectors.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of unencrypted HTTP protocols for session management and credential transmission within the TADDM application. When HTTP is employed instead of HTTPS, all session data, including authentication tokens and credential information, becomes visible in network traffic that can be captured and analyzed by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through network traffic, and represents a classic example of insecure communication protocols in enterprise software. The session data containing Tomcat credentials becomes susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and other network-based reconnaissance techniques that are readily available to threat actors. The vulnerability does not require authentication to exploit, as attackers can simply monitor network traffic to capture the sensitive information being transmitted. This weakness is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications and services communicate over shared network infrastructure, as a single compromised session can reveal credentials for multiple systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for enterprise infrastructure management. Organizations relying on TADDM for application dependency discovery may experience unauthorized access to their Tomcat-based applications, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compromise of critical business applications. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks, as Tomcat credentials often provide access to web applications and underlying systems. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1046 category for network service scanning and T1566 for credential harvesting through network sniffing. The exposure of Tomcat credentials through network traffic interception can enable attackers to gain access to application servers, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations may also face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is accessed through this vulnerability, particularly in industries with strict data protection requirements such as financial services, healthcare, and government sectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by enforcing the use of HTTPS protocols for all communications with TADDM and Tomcat servers, ensuring that session data is encrypted during transmission. The recommended approach includes configuring TADDM to utilize SSL/TLS encryption for all network communications and implementing network segmentation to limit the exposure of sensitive traffic. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough network traffic analysis to identify and remediate any existing unencrypted communication channels. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate credential harvesting attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and the need for organizations to regularly audit their network protocols and encryption practices. Organizations should also consider updating to newer versions of TADDM that address this vulnerability, as IBM has likely provided patches and security updates to resolve the insecure communication issue. Implementing these mitigations aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure network communication and credential protection, ensuring that enterprise infrastructure maintains appropriate security controls against network-based credential theft attacks.