CVE-2014-6136 in Security AppScan
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security AppScan Standard 8.x and 9.x before 9.0.1.1 FP1 supports unencrypted sessions, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6136 affects IBM Security AppScan Standard versions 8.x and 9.x prior to 9.0.1.1 FP1, representing a significant security weakness in the application's communication protocols. This flaw exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attacks where network traffic is transmitted without encryption, creating an avenue for malicious actors to intercept and analyze sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement secure communication channels, leaving user credentials, session tokens, and other confidential information susceptible to eavesdropping attacks. Security researchers have categorized this issue under CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of encryption or lack thereof. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between the AppScan client and server components, potentially compromising the security of automated security testing operations. Organizations utilizing this software in environments where network traffic may be intercepted face heightened risk of credential theft and unauthorized access to security testing results.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform packet sniffing operations on network segments where the AppScan application communicates. When unencrypted sessions are established, authentication tokens, user credentials, and sensitive configuration data are transmitted in plaintext format, making them easily readable to anyone with access to the network traffic. This weakness particularly affects environments where security testing tools are deployed across shared or untrusted network infrastructures, such as cloud environments or corporate networks with multiple network segments. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten 2017, specifically addressing the improper use of encryption and failure to protect sensitive data. From an operational perspective, this flaw undermines the security posture of organizations relying on AppScan for vulnerability assessment, as attackers could potentially exploit the intercepted information to gain unauthorized access to testing environments or compromise the integrity of security testing processes. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as intercepted session data could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users or manipulate the security testing workflow.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement network segmentation strategies to isolate AppScan components from untrusted network segments, while also considering the deployment of network monitoring tools to detect potential eavesdropping activities. The recommended mitigation approach includes applying the vendor-provided patch version 9.0.1.1 FP1, which addresses the encryption weakness by implementing proper TLS/SSL protocols for session management. Security teams should also review their network security policies to ensure that all communication channels between security tools and their target systems are properly encrypted. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1071 Application Layer Protocol, highlighting the attack surface that unencrypted communications create for threat actors. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network access control lists, encrypted virtual private networks for remote access, and regular security audits to verify that encryption protocols are properly configured. The remediation process should also include staff training on secure configuration practices and the importance of maintaining encrypted communication channels in security tool implementations, as this vulnerability represents both a technical flaw and a potential operational security gap in the organization's overall security posture.