CVE-2014-6148 in Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager (TADDM) 7.2.0.0 through 7.2.0.10, 7.2.1.0 through 7.2.1.6, and 7.2.2.0 through 7.2.2.2 does not require TADDM authentication for rptdesign downloads, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive database information via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6148 affects IBM Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager versions within the 7.2.0.x through 7.2.0.10, 7.2.1.x through 7.2.1.6, and 7.2.2.x through 7.2.2.2 release ranges. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the authentication mechanisms of the TADDM system, which is designed to discover and map application dependencies within enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the report design download functionality, creating an unauthorized access vector that bypasses the system's intended security controls.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of proper authentication checks when processing requests for rptdesign files within the TADDM application. When users attempt to download report design files through a crafted URL, the system fails to verify whether the requester possesses valid credentials or appropriate authorization levels. This authentication bypass allows remote authenticated users to access sensitive database information that should only be available to authorized personnel with proper clearance. The vulnerability exists because the application's access control mechanisms are insufficiently implemented for this particular download function, creating a path for information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it exposes sensitive database information that could include connection strings, database schemas, user credentials, and other confidential operational data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the enterprise's database infrastructure, potentially enabling further attacks such as database exploitation, credential harvesting, or lateral movement within the network. The affected TADDM versions are widely deployed in enterprise environments where application dependency mapping is critical for IT operations and security management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on these systems for infrastructure visibility.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager, configuring additional access controls for report download functions, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to TADDM systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, specifically targeting the exploitation of application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their TADDM implementations to ensure no unauthorized access has occurred and consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious download activities within the application.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive authentication testing across all application functions, particularly those that handle sensitive data. The flaw highlights the need for consistent security controls throughout application architectures rather than isolated protections for specific components. Organizations should also review their patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates for critical infrastructure tools like TADDM, as delayed updates can leave systems vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors who actively seek out such authentication bypass vulnerabilities in widely deployed enterprise applications.