CVE-2016-2928 in BigFix Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Remote Control before 9.1.3 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading error logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
IBM BigFix Remote Control version 9.1.2 and earlier contains a vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive information through error log reading capabilities. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries who have already gained authentication credentials to the system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls on error log files that contain potentially sensitive data such as system configurations, user credentials, or operational details that could aid further exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of error logging mechanisms within the remote control software. When errors occur during remote session management or authentication processes, the system generates log entries that contain detailed diagnostic information. In vulnerable versions, these error logs are accessible to authenticated users without proper privilege checks, allowing attackers to read potentially sensitive data that should be restricted to system administrators or security personnel. This issue falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for subsequent attacks. Attackers can gather information about system configurations, network topology, user activities, and potential security gaps that may exist within the environment. This intelligence can significantly reduce the time and effort required for advanced persistent threats or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on IBM BigFix Remote Control for system management and remote access, particularly those with multiple users who may not require full administrative privileges but still have access to the system.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to IBM BigFix Remote Control version 9.1.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper log access controls and regularly review access permissions to ensure that error logs are only accessible to authorized personnel. Network segmentation and monitoring of log access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and access control implementation in remote management systems, as even authenticated users should not have unrestricted access to diagnostic information that could compromise system security. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of exposure to known vulnerabilities.