CVE-2017-1183 in Tivoli Monitoring Portal
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Monitoring Portal v6 could allow a local (network adjacent) attacker to modify SQL commands to the Portal Server, when default client-server communications, HTTP, are being used. IBM X-Force ID: 123494.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1183 affects IBM Tivoli Monitoring Portal version 6, representing a significant security weakness that enables local attackers to manipulate SQL commands executed against the Portal Server. This flaw specifically manifests when the system employs default client-server communication protocols over HTTP, creating an exploitable vector for malicious activity. The vulnerability resides in the insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that govern how SQL commands are processed and executed within the monitoring portal environment.
This security weakness constitutes a classic SQL injection vulnerability, classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The vulnerability allows an attacker positioned within the network adjacent to the target system to intercept and modify HTTP communications between clients and the Portal Server. Through this manipulation, the attacker can inject malicious SQL commands that may result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion within the database underlying the monitoring portal. The attack requires minimal privileges since it targets the communication channel rather than requiring direct system access or authentication bypass.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete database exposure and potential system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive monitoring data, modify configuration settings, or even gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. The local network adjacency requirement means that attackers do not need extensive network reconnaissance or external access capabilities, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is inadequate or where the monitoring portal is accessible from multiple network segments.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol: Structured Query Language. The attack chain typically involves initial network reconnaissance to identify the monitoring portal, followed by interception of HTTP traffic to modify SQL command parameters. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS with proper certificate validation, deploying network segmentation to limit access to the monitoring portal, and implementing robust input validation and parameterized queries. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of securing default communication channels and demonstrates why organizations must implement defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both external and internal threats.