CVE-2015-5045 in Rational License Key Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Administration and Reporting tool in IBM Rational License Key Server (RLKS) before 8.1.4.9 iFix 04 allows local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors. IBM X-Force ID: 106938.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5045 affects IBM Rational License Key Server version 8.1.4.8 and earlier, specifically within its Administration and Reporting tool component. This issue represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that enables local attackers to access confidential data through unspecified vectors. The vulnerability exists within IBM's license management infrastructure, which is critical for software licensing control and monitoring within enterprise environments. The affected system operates as a centralized license management solution that tracks and controls usage of IBM Rational software products, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking to extract licensing information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the RLKS administration interface. Local users who can access the system with basic privileges may exploit this weakness to extract sensitive licensing data, configuration details, or other confidential information that should remain protected. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could manifest through multiple attack paths including improper input validation, weak session management, or insufficient authorization checks within the reporting and administrative functions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a fundamental flaw in the security architecture of the license management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted licensing data could provide attackers with insights into software usage patterns, organizational licensing arrangements, and potentially enable further attacks. An attacker with access to this sensitive information could use it to plan targeted attacks against the organization's software infrastructure or to understand the licensing landscape for potential exploitation. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where IBM Rational products are deployed, as the license server becomes a potential entry point for attackers seeking to gather intelligence about software assets and licensing configurations. Organizations using this system may face compliance issues if sensitive licensing information is exposed, as such data often contains proprietary information about software usage and organizational infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include applying the available IBM iFix 04 patch, which specifically addresses the information disclosure issue in RLKS version 8.1.4.9. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and privilege management to minimize the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the administration and reporting tools. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their license management systems and maintain updated inventories of all software assets and their associated licensing information. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control mechanisms in administrative tools and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1087.001 for account discovery and T1566.001 for spearphishing via social engineering, as attackers may use the disclosed information to craft more targeted attacks against the organization.