CVE-2014-3079 in Rational License Key Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Administration and Reporting Tool in IBM Rational License Key Server (RLKS) 8.1.4.x before 8.1.4.4 allows remote authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and visit unspecified URLs with license-usage data via a DESCRIBE clause in a SPARQL query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3079 affects IBM Rational License Key Server version 8.1.4.x before 8.1.4.4, specifically within its Administration and Reporting Tool component. This issue represents a significant authorization bypass flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive license-usage data through manipulated SPARQL queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authorization controls within the SPARQL query processing mechanism, allowing malicious users to construct DESCRIBE clauses that circumvent normal access restrictions. The affected system maintains a licensing management framework that processes SPARQL queries for reporting purposes, but fails to properly validate the scope and intent of these queries before executing them against the underlying data repositories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to craft malicious SPARQL queries containing DESCRIBE clauses that can traverse the license database structure beyond normal authorized boundaries. This type of attack falls under CWE-285 Authorization Checks, specifically targeting improper access control mechanisms where the system fails to properly validate user permissions before processing query requests. The DESCRIBE clause in SPARQL is designed to retrieve detailed information about specific resources, but in this case, it can be manipulated to access data that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input sanitization where the system accepts and processes user-supplied SPARQL queries without adequate validation of the query structure and intended data access scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, as it provides attackers with visibility into license usage patterns and potentially sensitive information about software deployment and utilization across the organization. This data could be leveraged for competitive intelligence gathering, or combined with other information to identify potential targets for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized disclosure of license-usage data that may contain information about software inventory, deployment locations, and usage patterns. Organizations using this license management system could face compliance violations if license data is exposed, particularly in regulated environments where software asset management data must be protected. The attack vector requires remote access and authentication, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by attackers who have gained legitimate credentials to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3079 should focus on implementing proper input validation and query restriction mechanisms within the SPARQL processing layer. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patch for IBM Rational License Key Server version 8.1.4.4 or later, which addresses the authorization bypass issue through enhanced query validation and access control enforcement. Security controls should include implementing strict SPARQL query filtering that prevents the execution of potentially dangerous DESCRIBE clauses and restricts query scope to predefined authorized data access patterns. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 Credential Access and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol to prevent unauthorized access through manipulated query structures. Additional measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the license server, enforcing least privilege access controls for administrative accounts, and monitoring SPARQL query execution logs for suspicious activity patterns. Regular security assessments should verify that query processing mechanisms properly validate user permissions and maintain proper isolation between different levels of data access within the license management system.