CVE-2014-4778 in License Metric Tool
Summary
by MITRE
IBM License Metric Tool 9 before 9.1.0.2 and Endpoint Manager for Software Use Analysis 9 before 9.1.0.2 do not send an X-Frame-Options HTTP header in response to requests for the login page, which allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via vectors involving a FRAME element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4778 affects IBM License Metric Tool 9 versions prior to 9.1.0.2 and Endpoint Manager for Software Use Analysis 9 versions before 9.1.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web-based administrative interfaces. This issue stems from the absence of the X-Frame-Options HTTP header in responses to login page requests, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to execute clickjacking operations.
The technical flaw manifests through the deliberate omission of the X-Frame-Options header, which is a critical security mechanism designed to prevent a web page from being rendered within a frame or iframe element. This header serves as a protective barrier against clickjacking attacks by instructing web browsers to refuse rendering of the page in any frame context, thereby preventing malicious actors from overlaying deceptive interfaces on top of legitimate login pages. Without this header, the authentication interface becomes vulnerable to being embedded within malicious frames, allowing attackers to craft deceptive web pages that appear legitimate while redirecting user actions to unintended targets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables sophisticated social engineering attacks that can compromise the entire administrative access control mechanism. Attackers can create malicious web pages that embed the legitimate login interface within a transparent or semi-transparent frame, overlaying it with deceptive content that tricks users into entering credentials or performing administrative actions without realizing they are interacting with a fraudulent interface. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-1021, which categorizes improper restriction of rendering of web content as a security weakness, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 for bypassing security controls through web-based attacks.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe for organizations utilizing IBM's license management solutions, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to software license data, administrative privileges, and potentially sensitive business intelligence. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors with varying skill levels. Organizations relying on these tools for software asset management face significant risk of unauthorized access to their license tracking systems, potentially leading to license misuse, compliance violations, and operational disruption. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of implementing proper HTTP security headers as part of baseline web application security practices, demonstrating how seemingly simple configuration omissions can create substantial security risks in enterprise software environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for IBM License Metric Tool 9.1.0.2 and Endpoint Manager for Software Use Analysis 9.1.0.2, which address this vulnerability through proper header implementation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to ensure all HTTP responses include appropriate security headers including X-Frame-Options, Content Security Policy, and other protective measures. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, and user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about clickjacking attack techniques and the importance of verifying interface authenticity before performing administrative actions.