CVE-2015-1947 in InfoSphere BigInsights
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in IBM InfoSphere BigInsights 3.0, 3.0.0.1, 3.0.0.2, and 4.0, when a DB2 database is used, allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse library that is loaded by a setuid or setgid program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1947 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within IBM InfoSphere BigInsights versions 3.0, 3.0.0.1, 3.0.0.2, and 4.0 when integrated with DB2 database systems. This flaw exists in the privilege escalation mechanism where local users can manipulate the dynamic library loading process through setuid and setgid programs. The vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly validate library paths during execution, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place malicious libraries in directories that are searched before system directories. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-426, which categorizes untrusted search path vulnerabilities as a critical security concern. The attack vector specifically targets the setuid/setgid program execution model where programs run with elevated privileges but fail to properly sanitize their library search paths. When a user executes a program with elevated privileges, the system searches through a predefined list of directories to locate required libraries, and if these directories are writable by unprivileged users, malicious libraries can be loaded instead of legitimate system libraries. This vulnerability operates under the principle that the system does not properly isolate the library loading environment from user-controlled paths, creating a privilege escalation pathway.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity threats. An attacker with local access can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the setuid/setgid program, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This could enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the BigInsights environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where InfoSphere BigInsights is used for data processing and analytics, as the compromised system could provide access to valuable business data and analytical workloads. The attack requires local system access and leverages the trust relationship between the setuid program and its library dependencies, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage insecure library loading to gain elevated system privileges. The impact is amplified when considering that BigInsights environments often handle sensitive enterprise data and may be integrated with other enterprise systems, potentially allowing lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but could compromise entire data processing pipelines and analytics workflows within organizations using IBM InfoSphere BigInsights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1947 require immediate attention and systematic implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patching the vulnerability through official IBM security updates and apply the relevant security fixes that address the untrusted search path issue. System administrators should implement proper library path validation and ensure that setuid/setgid programs are configured to use secure library loading mechanisms. The recommended approach includes setting the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable to explicitly define trusted library directories and removing write permissions from directories in the library search path that are accessible to unprivileged users. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and using secure coding practices that enforce absolute paths for library loading can prevent this class of vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized library modifications and monitoring of setuid/setgid program execution patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations where possible, reducing the number of setuid/setgid programs in use. The vulnerability aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards, which emphasize the importance of secure library loading and privilege management. Regular security audits should verify that library search paths are properly configured and that no unauthorized modifications exist in system directories. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary setuid programs, implementing mandatory access controls, and deploying intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation of this vulnerability.