CVE-2016-3017 in Security Access Manager For Web
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager for Web could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information due to security misconfigurations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
IBM Security Access Manager for Web contains a vulnerability that enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through security misconfigurations within the system. This vulnerability stems from improper configuration of security controls that should normally protect sensitive data and system resources from unauthorized access. The flaw exists in the web access management component where default settings or administrative configurations fail to properly enforce security boundaries, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended access controls and extract confidential information from the system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper permissions for security-critical resources, and CWE-275, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The misconfiguration typically involves inadequate protection of administrative interfaces, insufficient authentication mechanisms, or improperly secured data channels that expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain access to system logs, user credentials, configuration files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected within the security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with critical intelligence for subsequent attacks. Once sensitive information is obtained, adversaries can use this data to craft more sophisticated attacks, escalate privileges, or launch targeted assaults against other system components. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on IBM Security Access Manager for Web to protect their web applications and user access, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of their entire web infrastructure. This type of information disclosure can lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and significant operational disruptions.
Organizations should implement comprehensive remediation strategies that include regular security configuration reviews, enforcement of least privilege principles, and implementation of automated compliance monitoring tools. The mitigation approach should address the specific misconfigurations that enable this vulnerability, such as securing administrative interfaces, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and ensuring proper encryption of sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Security teams should also establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures that align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls to prevent similar configuration errors from occurring in the future. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts that exploit these security misconfigurations.