CVE-2016-0367 in Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance 7.0.x before 7.0.1.3-ISS-SIM-IF0001 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading an error message. IBM X-Force ID: 112072.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0367 affects IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance version 7.0.x before 7.0.1.3-ISS-SIM-IF0001, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system data through improperly handled error messages. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient logging and monitoring as defined by CWE-778, where error messages contain excessive information that could aid attackers in understanding the system architecture and potentially exploit other weaknesses. The issue specifically manifests when authenticated users access certain application components that generate error messages containing internal system details such as file paths, database configurations, or system internals. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized insights into the underlying infrastructure, which significantly reduces the attack surface and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the same system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the virtual appliance's web application framework. When specific requests are made to the system, particularly those involving authentication or authorization processes, the application generates error responses that inadvertently include detailed system information in their output. This occurs due to inadequate sanitization of error messages before they are returned to the client, allowing attackers to extract information that should remain confidential. The vulnerability is classified as a remote authenticated attack vector because it requires a valid user account to exploit, but does not require special privileges or elevated access levels beyond standard authentication. The IBM X-Force ID 112072 confirms this vulnerability's severity and provides additional context for security professionals in understanding the potential impact and remediation steps.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked system details can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks against the appliance and potentially the broader network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain insights into database structures, file system layouts, and internal application logic, which would significantly aid in planning subsequent attacks. This information disclosure aligns with the ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance phase, specifically the technique of "T1069.001 - Permission Groups Discovery" and "T1082 - System Information Discovery," where adversaries collect information about the system's configuration and architecture. The vulnerability essentially provides a foothold for attackers to understand the system's internal workings, making it easier to identify potential exploitation points and plan targeted attacks. Organizations using this virtual appliance face increased risk of compromise as the leaked information reduces the time and effort required for attackers to develop successful attack strategies.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released by IBM as part of the 7.0.1.3-ISS-SIM-IF0001 update to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper error message sanitization and ensuring that sensitive system information is not exposed in error responses. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive reviews of their logging and monitoring systems to detect any potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may have been used to gather intelligence before the patch was applied. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the virtual appliance, enforcing strict access controls, and regularly monitoring system logs for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper error handling and information disclosure controls in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to further protect against similar vulnerabilities in other components of their security infrastructure.