CVE-2016-2974 in Sametime Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sametime Connect 8.5.2 and 9.0, after uninstalling the Sametime Rich Client, could disclose potentially sensitive information related to the Sametime environment as well as other users on the local machine of the user. IBM X-Force ID: 113934.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
IBM Sametime Connect versions 8.5.2 and 9.0 contained a critical information disclosure vulnerability that persisted even after the uninstallation of the rich client application. This flaw represents a classic post-removal persistence issue where residual data structures and configuration files retained sensitive environmental information and user details on the local machine. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper cleanup or removal of sensitive data, which aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-549 (Information Exposure Through External Objects) classifications. The issue stems from the application's failure to completely erase its configuration databases, registry entries, and cached user information during the uninstallation process, leaving behind artifacts that could be accessed by unauthorized users or processes on the same system.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of local file system artifacts that remain accessible after uninstallation. When users remove the Sametime Connect client, the uninstallation routine does not properly clear the application's data stores, which may include configuration files, user preference settings, and potentially cached authentication tokens or connection parameters. These remnants often contain information about the Sametime environment such as server addresses, domain configurations, and other users' connection details that could be leveraged by malicious actors. The persistence of this data creates an information leakage scenario where an attacker with access to the local machine could extract sensitive information about the organization's communication infrastructure and user base.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential escalation pathways for attackers seeking to map network environments or identify additional targets within the organization. The leaked information could include details about Sametime server configurations, network topology information, and user contact lists that might facilitate further attacks such as social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Sametime for enterprise communication, as the disclosed information could reveal internal communication patterns and infrastructure details that would otherwise remain hidden. The risk is compounded by the fact that this information remains accessible even after the application is no longer installed, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by attackers who gain local access to affected systems.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the uninstallation process to ensure complete removal of sensitive data. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of affected systems to identify and manually remove any residual configuration files or registry entries that may contain sensitive information. The implementation of proper system hardening practices, including regular file system scanning and access control reviews, can help detect and prevent unauthorized access to these residual data structures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns to system resources that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive uninstallation procedures in enterprise software and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1082 (System Information Discovery) as attackers could leverage the disclosed information to gain deeper insights into target environments and plan subsequent attacks. The incident underscores the necessity of proper data sanitization practices during software removal and the potential consequences of inadequate post-installation cleanup routines in enterprise communication platforms.