CVE-2014-3066 in Tivoli Endpoint Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager 9.1 before 9.1.1088.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via XML data containing an external entity declaration in conjunction with an entity reference, related to an XML External Entity (XXE) issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3066 represents a critical XML External Entity (XXE) flaw within IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager version 9.1 prior to 9.1.1088.0. This security weakness enables remote attackers to exploit the system by crafting malicious XML data that includes external entity declarations combined with entity references. The flaw resides in the application's processing of XML input without proper validation or sanitization of external entity references, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability specifically affects the web services component of the Tivoli Endpoint Manager that handles XML-based communication and configuration data.
The technical implementation of this XXE vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the XML parser used by the IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager. When the system processes XML data containing external entity declarations, it fails to properly restrict or disable external entity resolution, allowing attackers to reference external resources through the XML document. This occurs because the XML parser accepts and resolves external entity references without adequate security controls. Attackers can leverage this by constructing XML payloads that reference local files on the server, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, credential stores, or other system resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through any interface that accepts XML input, particularly affecting web service endpoints that process configuration data or inventory information.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3066 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access arbitrary files on the target system. This could include sensitive configuration files containing database credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or network proximity to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where the Tivoli Endpoint Manager typically operates in network-accessible configurations. Organizations using this version of the software face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to endpoint management data that could facilitate broader network infiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patch that addresses this XXE vulnerability in IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manager 9.1.1088.0 and later versions. System administrators should also configure XML parsers to disable external entity resolution and DTD processing entirely, particularly in web service interfaces that handle XML input. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting access to vulnerable endpoints, while regular security audits should verify that XML processing components properly validate and sanitize all input data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and represents a common pattern that appears across many web applications, making it consistent with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (External Remote Services) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when attackers leverage such vulnerabilities to access system resources. Additionally, organizations should review their XML processing configurations to ensure that all external entity references are properly restricted and that input validation mechanisms are robust enough to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their infrastructure.