CVE-2016-2978 in Sametime
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sametime 8.5.2 and 9.0 could store potentially sensitive information from the browser cache locally that could be available to a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 113938.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2978 affects IBM Sametime versions 8.5.2 and 9.0, representing a significant security flaw in the client-side application architecture. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the browser cache mechanism, creating a persistent security risk that extends beyond the intended application boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which encompasses the improper exposure of sensitive information, specifically highlighting the insecure storage of potentially confidential data in local cache locations that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when IBM Sametime applications cache browser data locally on the user's device without adequate sanitization or encryption measures. This cached information may include session tokens, authentication credentials, or other sensitive metadata that could be exploited by local users with access to the system. The vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly isolate sensitive data from standard cache mechanisms, allowing local adversaries to potentially retrieve information that should remain protected within the application's secure execution environment. The issue demonstrates poor separation of concerns in the application's data management architecture, where sensitive information flows through standard caching pathways instead of being handled through secure, isolated storage mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on IBM Sametime for collaborative communications, particularly in environments where multiple users share physical workstations or where local privilege escalation attacks may occur. The local user access requirement means that any individual with access to the compromised system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in shared or unsecured environments. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft to include potential session hijacking, unauthorized access to sensitive communications, and broader compromise of the collaborative workspace environment. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of enterprise communications systems and could facilitate lateral movement within network environments where Sametime is deployed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting browser caching for IBM Sametime applications, enforcing strict access controls on local system resources, and implementing comprehensive endpoint security measures to monitor for unauthorized local access attempts. The recommended approach involves configuring application-level cache management to prevent sensitive data storage in local cache locations, along with regular security audits to ensure proper implementation of cache isolation mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual local access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which involves data staging through local data staging, and demonstrates the importance of proper application sandboxing and cache management practices in maintaining security boundaries.