CVE-2014-0924 in Messagesight Jms Client
Summary
by MITRE
IBM MessageSight 1.x before 1.1.0.0-IBM-IMA-IT01015 does not verify that all of the characters of a password are correct, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging knowledge of a password substring.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
IBM MessageSight version 1.x prior to 1.1.0.0 contains a vulnerability classified as a weak authentication mechanism that allows authenticated users to bypass access controls through partial password verification. This flaw exists in the password validation process where the system fails to thoroughly validate all characters of a password, instead accepting partial matches that may contain substrings of the correct password. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and authentication logic implementation, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit knowledge of partial password information to gain unauthorized access. This issue represents a classic example of insufficient authentication verification that can be categorized under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the core authentication functionality of the messaging platform, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access restricted resources within the MessageSight environment. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the authentication layer, where it can be exploited by users who already possess some knowledge of the target password. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1110.003 which covers credential access through password guessing or brute force attacks that exploit weak validation mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as it undermines the fundamental security model of the system, potentially allowing unauthorized access to message queues, user data, and administrative functions. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the security design where partial password verification creates an attack surface that should not exist in properly implemented authentication systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in the password validation routine where the system performs character-by-character comparison but fails to ensure complete password matching before granting access. This weak validation mechanism allows attackers to test partial password strings and observe system responses, effectively enabling a form of password enumeration attack. The authentication process should validate the entire password string against the stored hash or encrypted value but instead accepts partial matches, creating a path for attackers to systematically determine correct password components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently without generating obvious authentication failure indicators, making detection more difficult for system administrators. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability commonly occurs in legacy systems where authentication logic was not properly updated to meet modern security standards. The flaw is classified as a timing attack vector in some implementations where response differences between partial and complete matches can be observed, though the primary concern is the weak validation itself. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to restricted resources and potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks.
Organizations using IBM MessageSight 1.x versions before 1.1.0.0 face significant operational risks including unauthorized access to messaging systems, potential data breaches, and compromise of message integrity. The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users who have gained initial access to the system through other means, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have legitimate access. The attack surface includes not only direct system access but also potential compromise of message routing, user session management, and administrative controls. Security teams must consider the possibility of this vulnerability being combined with other weaknesses to create more severe attack scenarios. The impact is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on MessageSight for critical communications, as unauthorized access could disrupt business operations or expose sensitive information. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow attackers to manipulate message flows or intercept communications, creating both confidentiality and integrity risks. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for systems handling regulated data, as it represents a failure to maintain proper access controls and authentication mechanisms. Security assessments should include verification of authentication logic to ensure complete password validation is implemented. The remediation process requires updating to IBM MessageSight 1.1.0.0 or later versions where the authentication mechanism has been properly strengthened. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as account lockout mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and enhanced monitoring of authentication events to mitigate the risk while awaiting the official patch deployment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper authentication design and the need for thorough security testing of core system components.