CVE-2013-6304 in Algo Risk Application
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Algo Risk Application (ARA) 2.4.0.1 through 4.9.1 in IBM Algo One allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted pathname for a (1) configuration or (2) JAR file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2013-6304 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in IBM Algo One's Algo Risk Application version 2.4.0.1 through 4.9.1, exposing the system to unauthorized access risks. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources that should be protected from unauthorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the application's handling of configuration and JAR file paths, where insufficient input validation allows malicious users to craft specific pathname sequences that bypass intended access controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting specially crafted file paths that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs, enabling them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access sensitive files or system resources. The vulnerability affects both configuration files and JAR archives, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial security risks for organizations using affected IBM Algo One versions, as it allows authenticated users to access restricted system components that may contain sensitive data, system configurations, or executable code. The attack vector requires authentication, which means that the vulnerability is more limited in scope than unauthenticated attacks, but it still poses significant risks to organizations where privileged users might be compromised or where insider threats exist. The potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in financial and regulatory environments where IBM Algo One is commonly deployed.
The exploitation of CVE-2013-6304 aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to the privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially access system configuration files that contain sensitive information, manipulate application behavior through JAR file manipulation, or gain access to system resources that should remain protected. Organizations should implement comprehensive access controls and input validation measures, including proper path sanitization, regular security updates, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected IBM Algo One versions to the latest releases that address the directory traversal flaws. Additionally, organizations should implement strict input validation on all file path parameters, employ proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future software implementations.