CVE-2013-5452 in FileNet Business Process Framework
Summary
by MITRE
IBM FileNet Business Process Framework 4.1.0 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files or send TCP requests to intranet servers via XML data containing an external entity declaration in conjunction with an entity reference, related to an XML External Entity (XXE) issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5452 affects IBM FileNet Business Process Framework version 4.1.0, representing a critical XML External Entity (XXE) flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to exploit the system's XML processing capabilities. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's XML parser, which fails to properly sanitize external entity declarations that may be included in XML data submitted by users. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes XML content containing external entity references, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the XML parser into accessing local files or initiating network connections to internal systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental characteristics of XML processing where external entities can be declared and referenced within XML documents. When the IBM FileNet system processes XML data containing an external entity declaration, it fails to restrict or validate the sources of these entities, creating an attack vector where authenticated users can craft malicious XML payloads. The vulnerability operates through the XML parser's handling of entity references, where an attacker can define an external entity that points to local files or network resources, then reference this entity within the XML document to trigger unauthorized access or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities against internal network infrastructure. An authenticated attacker can leverage this XXE vulnerability to access sensitive files stored on the application server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or business-critical documents. Additionally, the vulnerability allows attackers to send TCP requests to intranet servers, effectively enabling port scanning and service enumeration of internal systems that would normally be protected by network segmentation. This capability significantly expands the attack surface and can facilitate further exploitation within the organization's network infrastructure.
The security implications of CVE-2013-5452 align with CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for the initial access phase through malicious file delivery. Organizations utilizing IBM FileNet Business Process Framework 4.1.0 face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature and requirement for only authenticated access makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. Mitigation strategies should include implementing strict XML parser configurations that disable external entity processing, enforcing input validation and sanitization, and applying the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. Network segmentation and monitoring of XML processing activities can also help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no similar XXE vulnerabilities exist in other components of the FileNet ecosystem.