CVE-2015-5019 in Sterling B2B Integrator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling Integrator 5.1 before 5010004_8 and Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2 before 5020500_9 allow remote authenticated users to read or upload files by leveraging a password-change requirement.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5019 affects IBM Sterling Integrator version 5.1 and Sterling B2B Integrator version 5.2, specifically before the mentioned patch levels. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that stems from improper handling of password change requirements within the application's authentication framework. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and falls within the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can be exploited by authenticated users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in the password change mechanism that allows authenticated users to manipulate file operations through the system's authentication flow. Attackers can leverage their existing authenticated session to perform unauthorized file read or upload operations, effectively circumventing the intended security controls that should prevent such actions. This flaw typically manifests when the system fails to properly validate user permissions or session state during password change procedures, creating an exploitable path where legitimate authenticated users can extend their privileges beyond their intended access levels. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear breakdown in the principle of least privilege enforcement.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM Sterling integrators for business-critical data exchanges and integration processes. An attacker with valid credentials can potentially access confidential business data, system files, or configuration information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The ability to upload malicious files introduces additional attack vectors where attackers can establish persistence within the system or deploy malware. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data within the integration environment, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and disruption of business processes. The attack requires only a valid authenticated user account, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insider threats or compromised accounts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for both Sterling Integrator 5.1 and Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2 versions to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also review and strengthen authentication controls, implement additional monitoring for file access patterns, and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access, and T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreters. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities within the broader integration ecosystem, particularly focusing on password change and session management components. Additionally, implementing robust logging and alerting mechanisms around file operations can help detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.