CVE-2017-11319 in Perspective ICM Investigation
Summary
by MITRE
Perspective ICM Investigation & Case 5.1.1.16 allows remote authenticated users to modify access level permissions and consequently gain privileges by leveraging insufficient validation methods and missing cross server side checking mechanisms.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11319 resides within Perspective ICM Investigation & Case version 5.1.1.16, representing a critical authorization flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges through manipulation of access control permissions. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the authenticity and integrity of permission modification requests. The flaw specifically manifests when the system lacks comprehensive cross-server side checking mechanisms, allowing malicious users to exploit gaps in the authorization framework by submitting crafted requests that bypass normal access control restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a system designed for case management and investigation, where unauthorized privilege escalation could lead to severe data compromise and system integrity violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits insufficient validation methods that should normally enforce strict access control boundaries within the application's permission management subsystem. Attackers can leverage this weakness by authenticating to the system with legitimate credentials and then submitting specially crafted requests that manipulate access level parameters. The missing cross-server side checking mechanisms mean that the system fails to validate whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to modify specific permission levels, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. This type of vulnerability typically maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can result in comprehensive system compromise where attackers gain elevated privileges that allow them to modify critical system configurations, access restricted data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the investigation and case management environment. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system and can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based case management systems. Organizations using this software may face significant regulatory compliance issues if unauthorized access to sensitive investigation data occurs, as such breaches often violate data protection regulations and industry standards for secure information handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11319 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that enforce strict parameter checking and authentication before any permission modifications are processed. Organizations should deploy comprehensive cross-server side validation checks that verify user authorization levels against predefined access control policies before allowing any privilege modifications. The implementation of proper audit logging and monitoring systems can help detect anomalous permission modification activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authorization gaps in related systems. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative functions and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known authorization flaws that could compromise entire investigation and case management systems.