CVE-2017-1131 in Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition 5.2 could allow an authenticated user to obtain sensitive information by using unsupported, specially crafted HTTP commands. IBM X-Force ID: 121375.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition version 5.2 contains a security vulnerability that allows authenticated users to extract sensitive information through the manipulation of unsupported HTTP commands. This flaw exists within the application's handling of HTTP requests and demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the processing of HTTP commands that are not officially supported by the system, creating an attack vector where maliciously crafted requests can reveal confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of HTTP command parameters within the Sterling B2B Integrator's web interface. When authenticated users submit HTTP requests containing unsupported command structures, the system fails to properly sanitize or reject these inputs before processing them. This weakness creates a path for information disclosure where attackers can construct specific HTTP command sequences that bypass normal security controls and access restricted data. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a direct remote access flaw.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 5.2. The ability to obtain sensitive information through authenticated access means that malicious insiders or compromised accounts could exploit this weakness to extract confidential business data, customer information, or system configurations. The vulnerability could lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties. Organizations relying on this platform for business-to-business transactions face increased exposure to information disclosure attacks that could compromise their entire supply chain data integrity.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" in software systems. This weakness creates a direct path for information disclosure attacks that could be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, and conducting thorough access reviews to ensure only authorized personnel maintain authentication credentials. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter HTTP requests, and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous command usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in secure system design. Organizations should review their authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that even authenticated users cannot access functionality beyond their intended scope. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data. The IBM security advisory recommends immediate patching and configuration reviews to address this information disclosure vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by unauthorized parties.