CVE-2015-7438 in Sterling B2B Integrator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2 allows local users to obtain sensitive cleartext web-services information by leveraging database access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7438 affects IBM Sterling B2B Integrator version 5.2, representing a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to extract sensitive cleartext web-services information through database access privileges. This issue stems from inadequate data protection mechanisms within the integration platform, where sensitive information flows through database storage without proper encryption or access controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the database layer of the B2B integrator system, where web services credentials and other sensitive data are stored in an unencrypted format, making them readily accessible to any local user with database access permissions. The flaw exists in the platform's data handling architecture, where cleartext information is persisted in database tables without proper obfuscation or encryption measures. This represents a critical weakness in the system's information security posture, as it allows unauthorized local access to potentially sensitive business data that could include authentication credentials, service endpoints, and integration parameters essential for business operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker with database access privileges can query the underlying database schema and extract sensitive web-services information stored in cleartext format. The flaw demonstrates poor security implementation practices where sensitive data is not adequately protected during storage, violating fundamental security principles of data at rest protection. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue that leverages existing database access rights to obtain unauthorized information disclosure, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is not properly restricted. This weakness directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses cleartext storage of sensitive information, and represents a failure to implement proper cryptographic controls for data protection. The attack vector is relatively straightforward as it requires only local access to the database environment, but the impact can be severe due to the nature of the information exposed.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7438 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed web-services information could enable attackers to perform further exploitation attempts, including service enumeration, credential reuse attacks, and potential lateral movement within the network. The cleartext nature of the stored information means that any compromise of database access provides attackers with immediate access to operational credentials and service configurations that could be used for unauthorized system access or data manipulation. Organizations utilizing IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2 may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties due to the exposure of sensitive business information through this vulnerability. The vulnerability also impacts the overall trust model of the integration platform, as it demonstrates inadequate security controls for protecting sensitive operational data that flows through the system. This weakness could enable attackers to gain deeper insights into business processes and integration architectures, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks against the organization's broader IT infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7438 should focus on implementing proper database encryption controls and access restriction measures to prevent unauthorized information disclosure. Organizations should immediately implement database encryption for sensitive fields containing web-services information, ensuring that all cleartext data is properly obfuscated or encrypted at rest. The recommended approach includes deploying database-level encryption mechanisms, implementing proper access controls, and restricting local database access to authorized personnel only. Security measures should also include regular database auditing and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, along with implementing principle of least privilege for database user accounts. Organizations should consider upgrading to newer versions of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator that address this vulnerability through improved data protection mechanisms and enhanced cryptographic controls. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions can help detect and alert on suspicious database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation efforts should align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 for data protection controls and should be integrated into the organization's overall security framework to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other systems.