CVE-2016-6023 in Sterling Secure Proxy
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Configuration Manager in IBM Sterling Secure Proxy (SSP) 3.4.2 before 3.4.2.0 iFix 8 and 3.4.3 before 3.4.3.0 iFix 1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6023 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within IBM Sterling Secure Proxy version 3.4.2 prior to iFix 8 and 3.4.3 prior to iFix 1. This security weakness resides in the Configuration Manager component of the software, which is designed to manage and configure secure proxy operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the system by crafting malicious URLs that exploit improper input validation mechanisms. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature typically occur when applications fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before using it to access files or directories on the server. The affected IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions demonstrate inadequate path validation that allows attackers to manipulate file access requests through specially crafted URL parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the Configuration Manager's URL parsing logic. When the system processes incoming requests containing crafted URLs, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the path components, allowing malicious users to traverse directory structures using sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. This flaw specifically affects the Configuration Manager's file access functionality, which is responsible for managing proxy configuration files and related system resources. The vulnerability enables attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially other resources that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The impact extends beyond simple file reading capabilities as it could potentially expose system credentials, configuration parameters, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM Sterling Secure Proxy deployments. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized access to system resources from any network location. The potential impact includes data exfiltration, system compromise, and escalation of privileges within the affected environment. Organizations may face compliance violations if sensitive data is exposed through this vulnerability, particularly in regulated industries where data protection is mandatory. The attack vector is straightforward and can be automated, making it attractive to malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerable systems. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into system architecture and configuration details that could be used for more sophisticated attacks against the broader network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6023 should prioritize immediate implementation of the available patches and iFixes provided by IBM. Organizations must ensure all affected systems are updated to IBM Sterling Secure Proxy versions 3.4.2.0 iFix 8 or 3.4.3.0 iFix 1, which contain the necessary security fixes. Network-level protections should include implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can detect and block malicious URL patterns associated with directory traversal attempts. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to limit exposure of the Configuration Manager component to only trusted networks and users. Input validation mechanisms should be enhanced to properly sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, implementing proper path validation and normalization techniques. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems that might be running vulnerable versions of the software. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of remote services. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities in the software ecosystem.