CVE-2013-3972 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1 before 7.1.1.12 and 7.5 before 7.5.0.5 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3972 affects IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.1 before 7.1.1.12 and 7.5 before 7.5.0.5, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that impacts organizations relying on this enterprise asset management platform. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the Maximo system, where remote authenticated users can exploit unspecified vectors to gain access to sensitive information that should remain protected. The flaw represents a critical security gap in the system's ability to maintain data confidentiality and access controls, particularly when users have legitimate authentication credentials but are able to bypass normal access restrictions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control enforcement within the Maximo application framework. IBM Maximo Asset Management is designed to handle sensitive business data including asset configurations, maintenance records, financial information, and operational metrics that are critical to enterprise operations. When an authenticated user can manipulate the system to access information outside their designated permissions, it creates a serious compromise to data integrity and confidentiality. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack paths including but not limited to parameter manipulation, API endpoint access, or direct database queries that bypass normal authorization checks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risks including unauthorized access to proprietary asset data, financial records, and operational information that could be exploited for competitive advantage or malicious purposes. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network or system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Maximo is accessible over the internet or through remote access connections. Organizations using these vulnerable versions may experience data breaches that could result in regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and damage to operational reputation. The vulnerability particularly affects companies in manufacturing, utilities, and other asset-intensive industries where Maximo is commonly deployed.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it relates to privilege escalation and credential access techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-284, which covers "Improper Access Control," making it a clear example of how inadequate access control mechanisms can lead to unauthorized information disclosure. Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and updates for IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.1.1.12 and 7.5.0.5 to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual access patterns, and conducting thorough access control reviews to ensure that user permissions align with their operational requirements. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and applications that may be exposed to similar information disclosure threats.