CVE-2014-4806 in Security AppScan
Summary
by MITRE
The installation process in IBM Security AppScan Enterprise 8.x before 8.6.0.2 iFix 003, 8.7.x before 8.7.0.1 iFix 003, 8.8.x before 8.8.0.1 iFix 002, and 9.0.x before 9.0.0.1 iFix 001 on Linux places a cleartext password in a temporary file, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4806 represents a critical security flaw in IBM Security AppScan Enterprise installation processes across multiple version branches including 8.6.0.2, 8.7.0.1, 8.8.0.1, and 9.0.0.1. This issue specifically affects Linux deployments where the installation procedure fails to properly secure sensitive authentication credentials during the setup phase. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of credentials within the installation framework, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal privileges.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the creation of temporary files containing cleartext passwords during the installation process. These temporary files are typically generated in predictable locations within the filesystem and may remain accessible to local users who can read their contents. The vulnerability manifests as a direct violation of secure coding practices where sensitive information is stored in an unencrypted format, making it immediately accessible to any user with read permissions on the affected system. This represents a classic example of poor credential management and insecure temporary file handling that violates fundamental security principles.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying IBM Security AppScan Enterprise in production environments. Local users who gain access to the system through any vector can easily extract authentication credentials from these temporary files, potentially enabling them to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to additional systems. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these passwords may provide access to administrative functions within the AppScan Enterprise environment, potentially compromising the integrity of security scanning operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple version streams simultaneously, indicating a systemic flaw in the installation process implementation.
The weakness aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic issues including weak encryption or lack of encryption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1552, which encompasses techniques for accessing credentials, and T1078, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials. The attack surface is broad as it requires no specialized tools or techniques beyond basic local access and file reading capabilities, making it an attractive target for both internal and external threat actors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided iFix updates to all affected versions, implementing file system permissions controls to restrict access to temporary directories, and monitoring system logs for unauthorized file access attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of installation processes across all systems to identify any additional temporary files containing sensitive information. The recommended approach includes restricting write permissions to installation temporary directories, implementing proper file cleanup procedures, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access to sensitive system files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing privilege separation techniques and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other software components.