CVE-2016-3023 in Security Access Manager For Web
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager for Web could allow an unauthenticated user to gain access to sensitive information by entering invalid file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
IBM Security Access Manager for Web contains a vulnerability that permits unauthorized information disclosure through improper validation of file name inputs. This flaw exists in the web application's file handling mechanisms where the system fails to adequately sanitize or validate user-supplied file path parameters. When an attacker submits malformed or invalid file names, the application may inadvertently reveal directory structures, file system information, or sensitive data that would normally be protected by access controls. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling procedures that do not properly restrict file access paths or sanitize user inputs before processing. This type of vulnerability is categorized as a path traversal or directory traversal issue, which allows attackers to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application. The security implications are significant as this could lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, or other confidential data that should remain protected. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of file path parameters through URL encoding or direct input to bypass normal access controls and retrieve unauthorized data. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for organizations using IBM Security Access Manager for Web as it allows attackers to potentially access critical security information without authentication. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further exploitation such as privilege escalation or system compromise. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is exposed through this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to gather information about file systems and directories to understand the target environment and identify potential attack vectors. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web application security contexts where proper input validation and access control mechanisms are fundamental requirements. The flaw demonstrates a critical gap in the application's security architecture where basic security controls fail to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. Security controls should enforce strict file path validation and implement proper access restriction mechanisms to prevent attackers from traversing directories or accessing files outside the intended application scope. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, sanitize all user-supplied data, and ensure that file access operations are properly constrained to prevent unauthorized information disclosure. Regular security assessments and code reviews are essential to identify and remediate such path traversal vulnerabilities that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information within web applications.