CVE-2016-0894 in RSA Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Data Loss Prevention 9.6 before SP2 P5 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended object access restrictions via a modified parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0894 affects EMC RSA Data Loss Prevention version 9.6 before SP2 P5, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of data protection systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter processing logic, specifically when handling user-supplied data that influences object access decisions. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to manipulate system parameters in ways that circumvent established access controls, potentially allowing unauthorized data access or modification. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates how insufficient parameter validation can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized system interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the application's object access restriction mechanisms, where modified parameters can be submitted through legitimate authenticated sessions to manipulate access decisions. Attackers leveraging this flaw can potentially access sensitive data, modify protected objects, or perform actions beyond their intended authorization scope. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data access, as it can enable broader system compromise when combined with other attack vectors, particularly in environments where RSA Data Loss Prevention serves as a critical data protection layer. The affected system architecture appears to process user parameters without adequate sanitization or validation, creating opportunities for parameter tampering that bypasses built-in security controls.
Operational implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it affects organizations relying on RSA Data Loss Prevention for critical data protection and compliance requirements. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must first establish legitimate credentials, but once achieved, they can exploit this weakness to access restricted data or perform unauthorized operations. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where the system enforces strict data access controls, as it undermines the fundamental security model designed to protect sensitive information. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user manipulating system parameters through web interfaces or API calls to gain access to objects they should not be authorized to view or modify.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and parameter sanitization mechanisms within the RSA Data Loss Prevention system. Organizations should immediately apply the available security patches and service packs, specifically SP2 P5, which addresses this vulnerability through enhanced parameter validation and access control enforcement. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust session management controls, monitoring for anomalous parameter usage patterns, and establishing network-level controls to detect and prevent parameter manipulation attempts. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and strengthening access control policies, ensuring proper separation of duties, and implementing comprehensive logging and auditing of access control decisions. Security teams should consider implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and parameter modifications, while also reviewing system configurations to ensure that access controls are properly enforced at all levels of the application architecture. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against authenticated privilege escalation attacks.