CVE-2014-4812 in Security AppScan Source
Summary
by MITRE
The installer in IBM Security AppScan Source 8.x and 9.x through 9.0.1 has an open network port for a debug service, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by connecting to this port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4812 affects IBM Security AppScan Source versions 8.x and 9.x through 9.0.1, specifically within the installer component that establishes an open network port for debug service access. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive information to remote attackers through unauthenticated network connections. The vulnerability stems from improper security configuration during the installation process where debug services are inadvertently left accessible on network ports without adequate authentication mechanisms or access controls. The exposed debug service creates an attack surface that allows malicious actors to connect directly to the system and extract confidential data through the open port, fundamentally compromising the security posture of systems running affected versions of the application.
This technical flaw falls under the category of insecure network service configuration and represents a violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity best practices. The vulnerability creates a persistent exposure that remains active until the system is properly patched or the debug service is manually disabled. The debug service typically provides diagnostic information and system internals that should only be accessible to authorized administrators with proper authentication credentials. The open port essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal security controls and allows attackers to gather sensitive information including system configurations, user data, and potentially application source code or database credentials that may be accessible through the debug interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote information disclosure attacks that can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about the target system, and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities that could be exploited. The exposure creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until patched, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running affected versions of IBM Security AppScan Source. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and system configurations that could be used for further attacks or malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4812 should include immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of IBM Security AppScan Source that address this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the affected ports, ensuring that only authorized personnel can connect to debug services. The implementation of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms should be enforced for any debug services that must remain operational for legitimate administrative purposes. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration issues in other software components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-668 which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 which covers "File and Directory Discovery" and T1046 which addresses "Network Service Scanning" as attackers may use this vulnerability to expand their reconnaissance efforts and identify additional targets within the network environment.