CVE-2013-4049 in SPSS Analytical Decision Management
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management 6.1 before IF1, 6.2 before IF1, and 7.0 before FP1 IF6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading and accessing a JSP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4049 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management versions 6.1 through 6.2 and 7.0 before specific fix points. This vulnerability resides within the application's file handling mechanisms, where proper validation and sanitization of uploaded files are insufficiently implemented. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files, specifically targeting the deployment of JSP (Java Server Pages) files that can execute arbitrary code on the server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses unrestricted file upload or file upload validation issues, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized control over the affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's file upload functionality. When authenticated users upload files through the web interface, the system fails to properly validate file extensions, content types, or file contents against a whitelist of acceptable formats. This deficiency allows attackers to upload JSP files that contain malicious code, which can then be executed by the web server when accessed through a browser. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability, but once authenticated, the impact is severe as it enables code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component, where adversaries leverage vulnerable software components to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the server, potentially escalating privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management in enterprise environments where sensitive business data and analytical models are processed, making the potential impact substantial. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, modification of analytical results, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the application handles confidential business intelligence or decision-making processes, as the compromise could affect strategic business operations and decision-making workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4049 should focus on implementing proper file validation mechanisms and restricting upload capabilities to only trusted file types. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security fixes and patches for IBM SPSS Analytical Decision Management versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file type validation, using a whitelist of approved file extensions, and ensuring proper file content verification. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls can provide defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should also consider implementing file upload restrictions at the network level and monitoring for unusual upload patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize secure coding practices and proper validation of user inputs to prevent common exploitation techniques.