CVE-2017-1154 in Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application 4.9.1, 5.0, and 5.1.0 could allow a user to gain access to files in the local environment which should not be viewed by application users. IBM Reference #: 1999892.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1154 affects IBM Algorithmics One-Algo Risk Application versions 4.9.1, 5.0, and 5.1.0, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the application's security model. This issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the application's file access mechanisms, allowing authenticated users to potentially access sensitive files that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's ability to enforce proper file system permissions and access controls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the application's failure to properly validate user permissions when accessing local file resources. This weakness enables attackers to exploit the application's file handling routines and potentially navigate to restricted directories or files that contain sensitive risk data, configuration information, or proprietary financial models. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where file system access controls should be enforced but are instead bypassed through inadequate input validation or improper permission checking mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the authorization model where the system fails to properly enforce access controls, specifically categorized under CWE-284 for improper access control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential for data exfiltration and system compromise within the financial risk analysis environment. Attackers could potentially access sensitive risk models, market data, or client information that should remain confidential within the application's secure boundaries. This vulnerability particularly concerns financial institutions and risk management organizations that rely on the application for critical decision-making processes, as unauthorized access to risk data could lead to competitive disadvantages or regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the application, suggesting a systemic flaw in the software's security architecture rather than a localized issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1154 should focus on immediate patching of affected versions and implementation of enhanced access control measures. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security fixes as soon as possible, as IBM has released updates to address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if the vulnerability is exploited. The security controls should include regular access reviews, implementation of least privilege principles, and enhanced monitoring of file access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, making it important for organizations to implement comprehensive monitoring and detection capabilities for unauthorized file access attempts. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other applications or systems that might be similarly affected by inadequate access control mechanisms.