CVE-2016-5945 in Spectrum Control
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Spectrum Control (formerly Tivoli Storage Productivity Center) 5.2.x before 5.2.11 allows remote authenticated users to upload non-executable files via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2019
IBM Spectrum Control represents a comprehensive storage management solution that provides centralized monitoring and control of storage environments across various platforms. The vulnerability in question affects version 5.2.x prior to 5.2.11, specifically targeting the file upload functionality within the web interface. This issue arises from insufficient validation of file types during the upload process, allowing authenticated users to potentially bypass security restrictions and upload files with malicious extensions. The flaw exists in the application's handling of HTTP requests where the system fails to properly verify the content type or file extension of uploaded files, creating an avenue for attackers to exploit the system's trust in the upload mechanism.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and sanitization within the file upload component of the application. When authenticated users submit files through the web interface, the system should validate that the uploaded content matches the expected file type and does not contain potentially dangerous extensions or content. However, the implementation fails to adequately enforce these checks, allowing malicious file extensions to be accepted and processed by the system. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file upload mechanisms and can be categorized as CWE-434, which specifically addresses the insecure upload of executable files. The flaw enables an attacker to upload files that may not be directly executable but could contain malicious code or be used as part of a larger attack chain.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using IBM Spectrum Control, particularly in environments where the system manages critical storage infrastructure. An attacker who has already gained authenticated access to the system can leverage this weakness to potentially escalate privileges or compromise other components within the storage environment. The ability to upload non-executable files creates opportunities for attackers to deploy malicious payloads that could execute within the context of the application, potentially leading to unauthorized access to storage resources, data exfiltration, or disruption of storage management functions. The vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack strategy where attackers first establish a foothold through legitimate authentication and then use this weakness to gain deeper access to the storage infrastructure.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.2.11 or later. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing storage management workflows. Organizations should also enhance their monitoring capabilities to detect unusual upload activities and implement stricter access controls for users who require file upload privileges. The mitigation strategy should align with the principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on preventing execution of malicious code through the use of application whitelisting and strict file type validation. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their storage management infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the need for continuous security hardening of enterprise storage management systems.