CVE-2015-1905 in Business Process Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The REST API in IBM Business Process Manager (BPM) 7.5.x through 7.5.1.2, 8.0.x through 8.0.1.3, 8.5.0 through 8.5.0.1, 8.5.5 through 8.5.5.0, and 8.5.6 through 8.5.6.0 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions on task-variable value changes via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1905 affects IBM Business Process Manager versions across multiple release streams including 7.5.x through 7.5.1.2, 8.0.x through 8.0.1.3, 8.5.0 through 8.5.0.1, 8.5.5 through 8.5.5.0, and 8.5.6 through 8.5.6.0. This represents a critical access control flaw within the REST API implementation of the business process management platform that enables authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions. The vulnerability specifically targets the task-variable value change functionality, which forms a core component of process automation and workflow management within enterprise environments. The REST API serves as the primary interface for external integration and programmatic access to BPM capabilities, making this flaw particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have already established authentication credentials within the system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of access controls within the REST API endpoints responsible for managing task variables. Task variables represent dynamic data elements that flow through business processes, often containing sensitive information or serving as decision points in workflow execution. When an authenticated user can bypass access restrictions on task-variable value changes, they gain the ability to modify process data that should be restricted based on user roles, process permissions, or business rules. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized data manipulation, process disruption, or information disclosure. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw may manifest through multiple attack paths including improper input validation, missing authorization checks, or flawed permission model enforcement within the API layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification capabilities and can severely compromise the integrity and security posture of enterprise business processes. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate critical workflow data, alter process outcomes, or bypass business rules that are essential for compliance and operational governance. In enterprise environments where BPM systems manage financial transactions, human resources processes, or regulatory compliance workflows, such unauthorized modifications could lead to significant financial losses, regulatory violations, or operational failures. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on automated business processes and integration with external systems, as it undermines the trust model that should exist between authenticated users and process data. The implications are especially severe when considering that the vulnerability affects multiple major release versions, indicating a systemic flaw in the access control implementation rather than a localized issue.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates as released through IBM Security Advisories. Network segmentation and monitoring of REST API traffic should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns or unauthorized modifications to task variables. Access control policies should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that least privilege principles are properly enforced, particularly for users with elevated permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage legitimate credentials to exploit the access control bypass. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation within application security contexts, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within enterprise environments where BPM systems integrate with other business applications and databases.