CVE-2014-4823 in Security Access Manager For Web 8.0
Summary
by MITRE
The administration console in IBM Security Access Manager for Web 7.x before 7.0.0-ISS-WGA-IF0009 and 8.x before 8.0.0-ISS-WGA-FP0005, and Security Access Manager for Mobile 8.x before 8.0.0-ISS-ISAM-FP0005, allows remote attackers to inject system commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4823 represents a critical command injection flaw within IBM Security Access Manager for Web and Mobile platforms. This security weakness exists in versions prior to specific fixpacks, affecting IBM Security Access Manager for Web 7.x before 7.0.0-ISS-WGA-IF0009 and 8.x before 8.0.0-ISS-WGA-FP0005, as well as Security Access Manager for Mobile 8.x before 8.0.0-ISS-ISAM-FP0005. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through unspecified attack vectors, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities. This weakness occurs when an application incorporates user-supplied data into system commands without proper sanitization or validation, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended execution flow. The administration console serves as the primary attack surface for this vulnerability, as it typically requires elevated privileges and provides access to critical system functions that can be exploited to gain deeper system access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4823 is severe and multifaceted, particularly given the nature of the IBM Security Access Manager products. These platforms serve as critical access control mechanisms for enterprise environments, managing authentication and authorization for web and mobile applications. When compromised, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, manipulate access controls, and potentially move laterally within the network. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to execute attacks, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in externally accessible environments. The vulnerability can also be exploited to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or disable security controls, significantly undermining the security posture of affected organizations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including applying the recommended fixpacks and patches provided by IBM. The specific versions mentioned in the CVE description contain the necessary security updates to address this command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit exposure of the administration console to trusted networks only. Input validation and sanitization should be strengthened throughout the application stack to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should align with established security frameworks including the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where this vulnerability would be categorized under techniques such as command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the security infrastructure.