CVE-2016-3035 in AppScan Source
Summary
by MITRE
IBM AppScan Source could reveal some sensitive information through the browsing of testlinks on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
IBM AppScan Source is a comprehensive web application security testing tool designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications through automated scanning and manual testing capabilities. The tool operates by creating test links and navigating through application interfaces to detect potential security flaws. This particular vulnerability arises from insufficient access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the application's test link handling functionality. When users navigate through test links generated by the tool, the system inadvertently exposes sensitive information that should remain protected within the application's internal environment.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of test link navigation within the IBM AppScan Source application. Specifically, when the tool generates and processes test links for vulnerability assessment, it fails to implement adequate authorization checks before allowing access to internal resources. This weakness allows unauthorized users to potentially access sensitive data through the browsing of these test links, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the normal operation of the security testing tool, meaning legitimate users performing security assessments might inadvertently expose sensitive information. The flaw stems from a lack of proper input validation and access control enforcement mechanisms within the test link processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on IBM AppScan Source for their security testing operations. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain access to internal application paths, configuration details, or other sensitive information that would normally be protected. This creates a significant risk for organizations where the security testing tool itself becomes a vector for information leakage. The vulnerability affects the integrity of security assessments by potentially compromising the confidentiality of test environments and could lead to further exploitation if the disclosed information includes authentication tokens, database connection strings, or other sensitive system details. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack techniques categorized under information disclosure in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the credential access and reconnaissance phases.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available patch releases from IBM that address the information disclosure vulnerability in test link handling. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit access to the AppScan Source environment, particularly restricting access to test link functionality. The tool should be configured with strict access controls that prevent unauthorized users from browsing test links, and organizations should consider implementing additional logging and monitoring of test link access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their current security testing procedures to ensure that test link navigation does not inadvertently expose sensitive information, and implement proper input sanitization and access control mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper security boundaries even within security tools themselves, as highlighted by CWE-200, which addresses information exposure vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of their security tools to prevent similar issues in other components of their security infrastructure.