CVE-2014-6109 in Tivoli Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Identity Manager 5.1.x before 5.1.0.15-ISS-TIM-IF0057 and Security Identity Manager 6.0.x before 6.0.0.4-ISS-SIM-IF0001 and 7.0.x before 7.0.0.0-ISS-SIM-IF0003 allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and obtain sensitive information via vectors related to server side LDAP queries. IBM X-Force ID: 96173.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6109 affects IBM Tivoli Identity Manager and Security Identity Manager products, specifically targeting versions prior to the mentioned patch levels. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that allows authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information through manipulated server-side LDAP queries. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of LDAP query parameters within the identity management framework, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) queries that are processed server-side by the identity management systems. When authenticated users submit LDAP queries, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, allowing attackers to construct malicious queries that can traverse beyond intended access boundaries. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the underlying directory service architecture to bypass authentication and authorization controls that should normally restrict access to sensitive user data, identity attributes, and system configurations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1005 for Data from Local System, as it enables unauthorized access through legitimate authenticated sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the identity management infrastructure. Attackers can potentially access sensitive user credentials, personal identification information, role assignments, and other privileged data that should remain protected within the system. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these systems manage critical identity and access control functions for large user bases. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to confidential data, potential credential theft, and disruption of identity management processes. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within networks as attackers can leverage compromised identity information to access additional systems and resources. Security teams face increased risk of data breaches and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where identity management systems must maintain strict access controls and audit trails.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6109 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to the affected IBM Tivoli Identity Manager and Security Identity Manager versions, ensuring that organizations apply the specific fixes referenced in the IBM security advisories. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous LDAP query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their identity management systems, reviewing and strengthening LDAP query validation processes. Access controls should be reviewed and reinforced to ensure principle of least privilege is maintained, while implementing additional monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns and data access requests. Security configurations should be audited to ensure that default settings do not inadvertently expose sensitive functionality, and that proper input sanitization mechanisms are in place to prevent malicious LDAP query construction. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the broader identity management ecosystem.