CVE-2014-3052 in Security Access Manager For Web Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
The reverse-proxy feature in IBM Security Access Manager (ISAM) for Web 8.0 with firmware 8.0.0.2 and 8.0.0.3 interprets the jct-nist-compliance parameter in the opposite of the intended manner, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging weak SSL encryption settings that lack NIST SP 800-131A compliance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3052 resides within IBM Security Access Manager for Web version 8.0, specifically affecting firmware versions 8.0.0.2 and 8.0.0.3. This issue manifests through the reverse-proxy functionality that processes the jct-nist-compliance parameter in a manner contrary to its intended design. The reverse-proxy feature serves as a critical component in web security infrastructure, acting as an intermediary that forwards requests between clients and backend servers while applying security policies and access controls. When this parameter is misinterpreted, it creates an unintended pathway for attackers to exploit weaknesses in the system's cryptographic configuration.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of the jct-nist-compliance parameter which should validate whether SSL/TLS encryption settings adhere to NIST SP 800-131A standards. These standards mandate the use of secure cryptographic algorithms and key sizes to prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. The reverse-proxy component fails to correctly interpret this parameter, causing it to accept or process weak encryption configurations that would normally be rejected. This misinterpretation allows attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent the use of insecure cryptographic protocols and algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through exploitation of weak SSL encryption settings. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, decrypt intercepted communications, or gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where IBM Security Access Manager is deployed as a web security gateway, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted through the system. Organizations relying on this security appliance for protecting web applications and services face increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized access attempts.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, as attackers could use this weakness to establish more persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched firmware versions, reviewing and strengthening SSL/TLS configuration settings, and ensuring all cryptographic protocols comply with NIST SP 800-131A standards. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security policies should be updated to enforce strict compliance with cryptographic best practices and eliminate the use of deprecated encryption algorithms.