CVE-2016-3024 in Security Access Manager For Web
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager for Web allows web pages to be stored locally which can be read by another user on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
IBM Security Access Manager for Web contains a local file disclosure vulnerability that arises from improper handling of web page storage mechanisms within the application's architecture. This flaw enables malicious actors to exploit the system's file storage capabilities and potentially access sensitive web content that should remain restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability specifically affects how the application manages local storage of web pages, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that violates fundamental security principles of data isolation and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sandboxing controls and insufficient validation of file access permissions within the web application framework. When web pages are stored locally on the system, the application fails to properly enforce user-specific access controls, allowing one authenticated user to potentially read or retrieve web content that was originally intended for a different user context. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control enforcement where the security boundaries between user sessions are improperly maintained. The flaw manifests when the application stores web page content in shared or accessible directories without implementing proper user isolation mechanisms, creating a path for cross-user data leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the integrity of the entire access management system. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gather sensitive authentication tokens, session information, or other privileged data that might be stored locally by the web application. This could lead to privilege escalation attacks, session hijacking, or further exploitation of the underlying security infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the affected application continues to operate, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access to sensitive information over extended periods. Organizations relying on IBM Security Access Manager for Web may experience significant security degradation when this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file access controls and user isolation mechanisms within the application's local storage handling. System administrators should ensure that all local web page storage operations enforce strict user-specific access controls and that temporary files are properly secured with appropriate permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system design. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to local storage areas and establish regular security audits of the web application's file handling processes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls to prevent unauthorized data access and maintain system integrity.