CVE-2016-5992 in Sterling Connect
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling Connect:Direct 4.5.00, 4.5.01, 4.6.0 before 4.6.0.6 iFix008, and 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.4 on Windows allows local users to cause a denial of service via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
IBM Sterling Connect:Direct is a file transfer solution that facilitates secure data exchange between systems. This vulnerability affects specific versions of the software running on Windows platforms, creating a potential denial of service condition that could disrupt business operations. The vulnerability exists within the local user execution context, meaning an attacker would need to have local access to the system to exploit it, though this access could be obtained through various initial compromise vectors.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that lead to a denial of service condition within the Connect:Direct service. This type of vulnerability typically involves improper handling of input data or resource management that causes the application to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability affects multiple version streams including 4.5.00 and 4.5.01, 4.6.0 before 4.6.0.6, and 4.7.0 before 4.7.0.4, indicating a persistent issue across the product line. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses memory safety issues and improper handling of resources that can lead to service disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system unavailability as it affects mission-critical file transfer operations that organizations depend upon for business continuity. When a denial of service occurs in a file transfer solution, it can halt data exchanges between trading partners, disrupt automated processes, and potentially cause cascading failures throughout interconnected systems. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions suggests that organizations maintaining older deployments may be at risk, particularly those that have not applied the necessary patches or iFixes. Organizations using this software for critical data transfers could face significant operational disruption, especially during peak transfer periods or when automated workflows are dependent on the service.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application to the affected versions, specifically implementing iFix008 for 4.6.0 and iFix004 for 4.7.0 releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit local access privileges and establish monitoring for anomalous service behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current patch management procedures and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure components. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service techniques, as local users could leverage this weakness to disrupt system availability. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logs of service states to facilitate incident response activities.