CVE-2016-5987 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.1 through 7.1.1.13, 7.5 before 7.5.0.10 IF4, and 7.6 before 7.6.0.5 IF3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted HTTP request that triggers construction of a runtime error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.1 through 7.1.1.13, 7.5 before 7.5.0.10 IF4, and 7.6 before 7.6.0.5 IF3 contain a sensitive information exposure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to extract confidential data through carefully constructed HTTP requests. This vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. When an attacker submits a malformed HTTP request, the system constructs a runtime error message that inadvertently reveals internal system information, including file paths, stack traces, and potentially database connection details. The flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Maximo is deployed. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects multiple version branches of the software, indicating a systemic issue in the error handling implementation across different releases. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Maximo for critical asset management functions, as the leaked information could facilitate further attacks or provide attackers with insights into the system architecture. The exposure of internal paths and system details can enable attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific components or modules within the Maximo environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access and T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it allows attackers to gather information about system structure and potentially extract credentials or authentication details from the error messages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any special privileges or prior access to the system, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools. Organizations using these affected versions should immediately apply the relevant security patches provided by IBM to mitigate the risk of information disclosure. The root cause lies in inadequate input sanitization and improper error message construction, where the system fails to distinguish between legitimate error reporting and potentially harmful information exposure. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in enterprise applications, where error messages must never contain sensitive system information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could enable attackers to identify potential attack vectors, understand system configurations, and plan more targeted exploitation attempts against the Maximo environment. Security teams should implement monitoring for unusual error message patterns and ensure that all application components properly validate and sanitize input data to prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the system.