CVE-2016-9710 in Predictive Solutions Foundation
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Predictive Solutions Foundation (formerly PMQ) could allow a remote attacker to include arbitrary files. A remote attacker could send a specially-crafted URL to specify a file from the local system, which could allow the attacker to obtain sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 119618.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9710 affects IBM Predictive Solutions Foundation, formerly known as PMQ, and represents a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's URL handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted URLs that can traverse the file system hierarchy. The flaw specifically impacts the application's ability to properly sanitize user-supplied input, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely through web-based interactions, making it accessible to attackers without requiring physical system access or elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize file paths submitted through URL parameters. When a user submits a URL containing file references, the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path traversal mechanism. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or even system credentials. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests where the malicious payload can be embedded within URL parameters, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through standard network monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files or configuration data. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive information such as database connection strings, application configuration files, or even system user credentials stored in accessible files. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location with internet access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations using IBM Predictive Solutions Foundation may face significant security implications including data breaches, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of the data accessed through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9710 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's URL handling components. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific path traversal vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns that attempt to traverse directory structures. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage that can be achieved even if the vulnerability is exploited. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovery of file and directory permissions, as organizations need to understand their file system access controls to properly secure against such attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the application ecosystem.