CVE-2016-2949 in BigFix Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Remote Control before 9.1.3 allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading cached web pages from a different user's session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2949 affects IBM BigFix Remote Control versions prior to 9.1.3, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that enables local attackers to access sensitive data belonging to other users within the same system. This vulnerability specifically targets the session management and caching mechanisms implemented within the BigFix Remote Control application, which is widely used for remote desktop management and system administration across enterprise environments. The flaw stems from inadequate isolation between user sessions, creating a scenario where cached web content from one user's browsing session becomes accessible to subsequent users who may not have proper authentication credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper information flow control as classified by CWE-200, which deals with insufficient protection of information flow and storage locations that could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the local system level, meaning that an attacker with access to the machine where BigFix Remote Control is running can exploit this weakness without requiring network-based access or complex authentication bypass techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly clear or isolate cached web content between different user sessions. When users interact with the BigFix Remote Control interface, the application caches various web pages and associated data to improve performance and user experience. However, the caching mechanism does not adequately separate data between sessions, allowing a malicious local user to access cached information from previous sessions. This includes potentially sensitive information such as user credentials, system configurations, network details, or other confidential data that may have been displayed or processed during earlier user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where multiple individuals may share the same physical machine or virtual environment, as it creates a persistent information leakage channel that can be exploited over time. The flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper session isolation, as the application should ensure that cached content from one user cannot be accessed by another user without proper authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks that could compromise entire enterprise security postures. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive information that might include administrative credentials, system configuration details, network topology information, or other data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This information disclosure could facilitate privilege escalation attacks, lateral movement within networks, or even complete system compromise if the cached data includes authentication tokens or other sensitive session information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations using BigFix Remote Control in environments where security is paramount, such as financial institutions, government agencies, or critical infrastructure operators. The impact is amplified in scenarios where the same system hosts multiple users or where the application is used for remote management of sensitive systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as it enables unauthorized access to stored information and credentials that may be cached within the application's web interface. Organizations using vulnerable versions of BigFix Remote Control may face compliance violations and security audit failures due to this information disclosure vulnerability, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture and data protection mechanisms.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of IBM BigFix Remote Control version 9.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the session isolation and caching issues. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the software and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also considering temporary workarounds such as disabling unnecessary caching features or implementing additional network segmentation measures. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential information disclosure events related to this vulnerability, ensuring that appropriate forensic analysis and containment measures are in place. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper session management and data isolation in remote access applications, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may share the same systems. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as regular security audits, privileged access management solutions, and comprehensive monitoring of application behavior to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of their IT infrastructure.