CVE-2013-6731 in Netezza Performance Portal
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Netezza Performance Portal 2.x before 2.0.0.3 allows remote authenticated users to change arbitrary passwords via an HTTP POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6731 affects IBM Netezza Performance Portal version 2.x prior to 2.0.0.3, representing a critical authentication flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to manipulate user credentials. This vulnerability resides within the web application layer of the Netezza platform, which is designed for data warehousing and analytics operations. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the password change functionality, creating a path for malicious actors to exploit the system's user management capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted HTTP POST request that allows authenticated users to modify passwords for arbitrary accounts within the system. This flaw violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control, as it enables privilege escalation through account manipulation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, specifically focusing on inadequate authorization checks during authentication operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to other user accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM Netezza Performance Portal for enterprise data analytics. The ability to change arbitrary passwords undermines the integrity of the authentication system and can lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the platform, as attackers can disrupt normal operations by locking out legitimate users or gaining access to sensitive analytical data. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments handling sensitive business or customer information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and privilege escalation domains. Specifically, it maps to techniques such as "Modify Authentication Process" and "T1078 Valid Accounts" where attackers can leverage existing valid credentials to modify account properties. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patch, reviewing and strengthening access controls, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of the affected system. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized password change activities and implementing multi-factor authentication can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in web applications to prevent similar authentication bypass scenarios.