CVE-2015-7432 in Capacity Management Analytics
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Capacity Management Analytics 2.1.0.0 allows local users to decrypt usernames and passwords by leveraging access to setenv.sh and parameter.txt. IBM X-Force ID: 107861.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7432 affects IBM Capacity Management Analytics version 2.1.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to obtain sensitive authentication credentials. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication parameters within the application's configuration files, specifically targeting the setenv.sh script and parameter.txt file which contain critical credential information. The vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in how the system manages and stores authentication data, creating an attack vector that directly compromises user security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a clear path of privilege escalation through local access exploitation. Attackers with local system access can directly read the setenv.sh configuration file and parameter.txt files that contain encrypted or plaintext credentials. These files typically contain username and password information used by the application to authenticate with various systems and services. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in credential management where sensitive data is stored in accessible locations without proper encryption or access controls. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-259 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), both of which address the improper handling of authentication credentials in software systems. The attack pattern follows established methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1003 (OS Credential Dumping) and T1078 (Valid Accounts), where adversaries leverage local access to extract authentication information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating cascading security risks within enterprise environments where IBM Capacity Management Analytics operates. Local attackers can potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to additional systems that rely on the compromised credentials. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM's capacity management analytics platform, which typically monitors and manages IT infrastructure resources, making the compromise of authentication credentials particularly dangerous. The attack vector is relatively straightforward requiring only local system access, which means that any user with local privileges can exploit this vulnerability. This creates a significant risk for organizations where local access controls are not properly enforced, potentially allowing insider threats or compromised local accounts to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local file system access to sensitive configuration files, implementing proper file permissions and access controls, and conducting thorough security assessments of all IBM Capacity Management Analytics installations. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of the software, implementing proper credential management practices, and ensuring that sensitive information is not stored in easily accessible locations. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of system configurations and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to critical configuration files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for credential management and the need for comprehensive access control mechanisms within enterprise applications. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, privileged access management solutions, and regular security training for system administrators to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.