CVE-2014-0931 in Rational ClearCase
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple XML external entity (XXE) vulnerabilities in the (1) CCRC WAN Server / CM Server, (2) Perl CC/CQ integration trigger scripts, (3) CMAPI Java interface, (4) ClearCase remote client, and (5) CMI and OSLC-based ClearQuest integrations components in IBM Rational ClearCase 7.1.0.x, 7.1.1.x, 7.1.2 through 7.1.2.13, 8.0 through 8.0.0.10, and 8.0.1 through 8.0.1.3 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service or access other servers via crafted XML data. IBM X-Force ID: 92263.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0931 represents a critical XML external entity processing flaw affecting multiple components within IBM Rational ClearCase versions 7.1.0.x through 8.0.1.3. This issue stems from insufficient input validation in XML parsers used across various integration points including the CCRC WAN Server, CM Server, Perl integration scripts, CMAPI Java interface, and ClearCase remote client. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes malformed XML data that contains external entity references, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the parsing behavior and potentially execute unauthorized operations. The affected components span across different architectural layers of the ClearCase ecosystem, making this a widespread security concern that impacts both server-side and client-side operations. According to CWE-611, this vulnerability maps directly to improper restriction of XML external entity references, a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability enables attackers to perform several malicious activities including denial of service attacks by consuming excessive system resources through recursive entity references, as well as unauthorized access to internal network resources that the vulnerable system can reach. When processing crafted XML input, the affected components fail to properly sanitize external entity declarations, allowing attackers to reference external resources or trigger internal system calls that should remain isolated. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable lateral movement within network environments where ClearCase servers operate, particularly in enterprise settings where these systems are often integrated with other corporate infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both the CMAPI Java interface and the OSLC-based ClearQuest integrations, which represent critical integration points that connect ClearCase with other development and issue tracking tools, amplifying the potential attack surface.
Operational consequences of this vulnerability are significant for organizations relying on IBM Rational ClearCase for version control and configuration management. The denial of service aspect can disrupt critical development workflows and cause substantial productivity losses, while the potential for unauthorized access to other servers creates risks for data exposure and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain access to internal systems that ClearCase servers might be able to reach, potentially exposing sensitive source code repositories, configuration data, or other protected resources. The multi-component nature of this vulnerability means that organizations must implement comprehensive patching strategies across all affected ClearCase installations, including server components, integration scripts, and client applications. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where ClearCase is used for continuous integration processes or where it integrates with external systems through web services and APIs, as these integration points represent the most common attack vectors for XXE exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the official IBM security patches released for this vulnerability, disabling unnecessary XML processing capabilities where possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to ClearCase servers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to repository data, and T1499 - Endpoint Termination, for potential denial of service impacts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual XML processing patterns and unauthorized access attempts to internal network resources. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential XXE vulnerabilities in similar systems and ensure that XML parsers across all enterprise applications are properly configured to reject external entity references. The remediation process requires careful coordination between development teams, system administrators, and security personnel to ensure that patching activities do not disrupt ongoing development operations while maintaining the integrity of version control systems.