CVE-2014-6146 in Sterling B2B Integrator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2.x through 5.2.4, when the Connect:Direct Server Adapter is configured, does not properly process the logging configuration, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6146 affects IBM Sterling B2B Integrator versions 5.2.x through 5.2.4, specifically when the Connect:Direct Server Adapter component is enabled. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper handling of logging configuration parameters within the system's security framework. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls for sensitive system artifacts, creating a pathway for unauthorized information retrieval by local system users.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in how the Connect:Direct Server Adapter processes and manages logging configurations. When this adapter is configured within the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator environment, the system fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to log file contents that contain sensitive operational data. This misconfiguration allows local users to directly access and read log files that should remain protected, as the system does not enforce proper access controls or file permissions that would normally prevent unauthorized reading of potentially sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the log files may contain sensitive data including but not limited to authentication credentials, system configurations, network communications details, and business transaction information. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain insights into system architecture, operational procedures, and potentially extract credentials or other confidential information that could facilitate further attacks. The local privilege escalation aspect means that any user with access to the system can exploit this vulnerability without requiring external network access or additional authentication mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information disclosure, and specifically relates to CWE-532, which covers information exposure through log files. The attack pattern follows the techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1005, which involves data from local system information discovery, and T1083, which covers file and directory discovery. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient logging security controls, where the system's logging mechanism becomes a vector for information leakage rather than a security asset.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to resolve the logging configuration processing issue. System administrators should also review and tighten file permissions on log directories, implement proper log rotation policies, and configure access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive log files. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their integration platforms to identify similar configuration flaws and implement comprehensive logging security policies that align with industry standards such as those recommended by NIST SP 800-92 for log management and security monitoring practices.