CVE-2017-1267 in Security Guardium
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium 10.0 and 10.1 processes patches, image backups and other updates without sufficiently verifying the origin and integrity of the code. IBM X-Force ID: 124742.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1267 affects IBM Security Guardium versions 10.0 and 10.1, representing a critical security flaw in the software update and patching mechanism. This issue stems from insufficient verification processes that govern how the system handles code patches, image backups, and other software updates. The vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious actors to potentially compromise the integrity of the Guardium environment through unauthorized code execution.
This technical weakness manifests as a failure in the code integrity verification procedures that should normally validate the authenticity and trustworthiness of updates before installation. The absence of proper origin verification means that updates could be signed with invalid certificates, contain malicious code, or originate from untrusted sources without detection. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of software supply chain integrity and represents a significant gap in the system's defensive mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on IBM Security Guardium for database activity monitoring and security governance. An attacker who successfully exploits this weakness could potentially install malicious code within the Guardium environment, leading to complete compromise of the security monitoring capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it undermines the trust model that security tools rely upon, potentially allowing attackers to hide their activities within the monitored database environment while simultaneously gaining elevated privileges within the Guardium system itself.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an input command, and CWE-494, which covers the download of code without integrity checking. These classifications emphasize the fundamental nature of the flaw in code verification processes and the potential for malicious code injection through update mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Guardium systems typically operate in highly sensitive environments where database security is paramount.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including thorough patching of affected versions, implementation of network segmentation for update distribution, and enhanced monitoring of update processes. The recommended approach involves establishing robust code signing verification procedures and implementing additional integrity checks beyond what the vendor initially provided. Security teams must also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous update activities and ensure that only authorized, verified updates are processed by the Guardium systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining secure update mechanisms and proper software supply chain security practices in enterprise security environments.