CVE-2014-0865 in Algorithmics
Summary
by MITRE
RICOS in IBM Algo Credit Limits (aka ACLM) 4.5.0 through 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.03 FP5 in IBM Algorithmics relies on client-side input validation, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended dual-control restrictions and modify data via crafted serialized objects, as demonstrated by limit manipulations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0865 affects IBM Algo Credit Limits (ACLM) versions 4.5.0 through 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.03 FP5, representing a critical security flaw in the IBM Algorithmics platform that undermines fundamental access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper implementation of security controls within the RICOS component, which is responsible for managing credit limits and risk assessment parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the dual-control restriction mechanism that is designed to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical financial data by requiring multiple approvals or validations before changes can be implemented.
The technical flaw manifests through the reliance on client-side input validation rather than implementing proper server-side validation controls. This design decision creates a significant security gap where authenticated users can manipulate serialized objects to bypass intended security restrictions. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to craft specially formatted serialized data structures that can manipulate the system's internal state, effectively circumventing the dual-control architecture that should prevent unauthorized credit limit modifications. This represents a classic case of insufficient server-side validation and input sanitization, which aligns with CWE-502 - Deserialization of Untrusted Data, a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations utilizing IBM ACLM systems, particularly those in financial services and risk management environments where credit limit controls are critical. An authenticated attacker with access to the system can manipulate credit limits without proper authorization, potentially leading to financial losses, regulatory violations, and compromise of risk management processes. The dual-control restriction mechanism, which is designed to enforce segregation of duties and prevent single points of failure in critical operations, becomes completely ineffective when exploited. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the entire risk management system and can result in unauthorized financial exposure that may go undetected for extended periods.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version 4.7.0.03 FP5 or later, which addresses the client-side validation issues and strengthens the server-side processing of serialized objects. Additional defensive measures should include enhanced monitoring of credit limit modification activities, implementation of more robust audit trails, and verification of all serialized object processing within the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in security design, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through deserialization attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.