CVE-2014-8927 in License Metric Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Common Inventory Technology (CIT) before 2.7.0.2050 in IBM License Metric Tool 7.2.2, 7.5, and 9; Endpoint Manger for Software Use Analysis 9; and Tivoli Asset Discovery for Distributed 7.2.2 and 7.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption or application crash) via a crafted XML query, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-8926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8927 represents a critical denial of service weakness within IBM's Common Inventory Technology framework that affects multiple enterprise software products including the License Metric Tool and Endpoint Manager. This flaw specifically targets the XML query processing functionality within CIT components, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit system resources through carefully constructed malicious input. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.7.0.2050 across IBM's software portfolio, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these tools for license management and asset discovery operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the XML parsing mechanisms of the CIT framework. When the system processes a crafted XML query, the malformed input causes the application to consume excessive CPU resources or triggers application crashes that result in complete service unavailability. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-400 category of Uncontrolled Resource Consumption, which specifically addresses issues where applications fail to properly manage resource allocation and can be exploited to exhaust system capabilities. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with resource exhaustion attacks that are commonly classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1499 technique for Network Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to consume system resources and disrupt normal operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8927 extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can severely compromise the integrity of license management and asset discovery processes that organizations rely upon for compliance and financial tracking. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete system outages for license metric tools, forcing organizations to halt critical inventory and licensing activities that may span across multiple enterprise environments. The distributed nature of the affected products means that organizations using Tivoli Asset Discovery for Distributed may experience cascading failures across their asset management infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability adds additional risk as attackers can initiate attacks from external networks without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments with limited network segmentation. Organizations may find their license compliance monitoring systems rendered inoperable, potentially leading to billing discrepancies, compliance violations, and operational disruptions that can extend for hours or days while remediation efforts are implemented.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-8927 requires immediate application of IBM's official patches and updates that address the XML parsing vulnerability within the Common Inventory Technology framework. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected versions of IBM License Metric Tool, Endpoint Manager, and Tivoli Asset Discovery for Distributed to the patched versions that include proper input validation and resource management controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to affected systems where possible, limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized exploitation. Additionally, implementing monitoring and logging controls around XML processing functions can help detect anomalous activity that may indicate exploitation attempts, providing early warning capabilities for security teams to respond to potential attacks before they can cause significant disruption to business operations.