CVE-2015-0126 in Leads
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Leads 7.x, 8.1.0 before 8.1.0.14, 8.2, 8.5.0 before 8.5.0.7.3, 8.6.0 before 8.6.0.8.1, 9.0.0 through 9.0.0.4, 9.1.0 before 9.1.0.6.1, and 9.1.1 before 9.1.1.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended file-upload restrictions via a modified extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
This vulnerability resides in IBM Leads software versions spanning multiple release lines including 7.x, 8.1.0, 8.2, 8.5.0, 8.6.0, 9.0.0, 9.1.0, and 9.1.1, where the affected systems fail to properly validate file upload extensions. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to circumvent security controls designed to restrict file uploads by simply modifying the file extension of malicious payloads. This represents a critical access control weakness that directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper input validation. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-risk issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows attackers who have already gained authentication credentials to escalate their privileges by uploading malicious files that could execute arbitrary code on the target system. The implications extend beyond simple file upload restrictions as this flaw essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent the execution of potentially harmful file types. The attack vector requires only that an authenticated user be able to interact with the file upload functionality, which is a common and often privileged interface in enterprise applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the uploaded malicious files to execute PowerShell commands or other scripting languages. The impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to bypass file type restrictions that are fundamental security controls in web applications. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk as the attack requires minimal privileges beyond authentication, making it accessible to both internal and external threat actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where IBM Leads is used for customer relationship management and data collection, as it could enable attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive customer information and business data.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate validation of file extensions during the upload process, allowing attackers to manipulate the file extension while preserving the actual file content. This type of vulnerability is classified as a path traversal or file validation bypass, where the system relies on superficial checks rather than comprehensive content verification. The security controls that should normally prevent such attacks include proper file type validation, content inspection, and strict extension filtering mechanisms. However, in this case, the system appears to only validate the file extension without performing deeper content analysis or maintaining a comprehensive whitelist of allowed file types. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates at the application layer where file upload controls are typically implemented, making it difficult to detect through network-based security tools alone. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as file content validation, sandboxing of uploaded files, and strict access controls on uploaded file storage locations. The remediation path involves upgrading to the patched versions specified in the CVE, which would include IBM Leads 8.1.0.14, 8.5.0.7.3, 8.6.0.8.1, 9.0.0.5, 9.1.0.6.1, and 9.1.1.0.2 or later releases. These patches would address the file validation logic and ensure proper enforcement of upload restrictions. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of their file upload functionality across all IBM Leads installations to identify potential variations of this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing multiple layers of protection including network segmentation, application firewalls, and regular security scanning of uploaded content. Additionally, organizations should establish strict monitoring protocols for file upload activities and implement automated alerts for suspicious file type combinations or unusual upload patterns.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in enterprise applications. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application security model where the system fails to properly validate user-provided data before processing it. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability could potentially violate various regulatory requirements including those related to data protection and access control. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where IBM Leads is used for handling sensitive customer information, as it provides an attack path that could lead to data breaches and regulatory violations. Organizations should implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and penetration testing of critical business applications. Security teams should establish baseline security requirements that include proper file validation, content inspection, and enforcement of upload restrictions. The remediation process should include not only patching the vulnerability but also conducting thorough security reviews of the application's file handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing security automation tools that can detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of defense in depth strategies where multiple security controls work together to protect against various attack vectors. Proper patch management and vulnerability assessment processes are essential for maintaining the security posture of enterprise applications. The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation potential to include long-term risks such as persistent access and data exfiltration capabilities that could be leveraged by sophisticated attackers.