CVE-2017-1289 in IBM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition is vulnerable XML External Entity Injection (XXE) error when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose highly sensitive information or consume memory resources. IBM X-Force ID: 125150.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1289 represents a critical XML External Entity Injection flaw within IBM SDK Java Technology Edition, classified under CWE-611 which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entities. This weakness enables malicious actors to manipulate XML processing mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability manifests when the Java SDK processes XML data containing external entity references, creating an attack surface that can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or specialized privileges.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability occurs through crafted XML input that includes external entity declarations which reference remote or local resources. When processed by the vulnerable Java SDK, these entities can trigger unintended resource access patterns that allow attackers to read local files, perform port scans, or consume excessive system memory resources. The attack vector leverages the standard XML parsing behavior where external entities are resolved by default, creating opportunities for information disclosure and denial of service conditions that can severely impact system availability and data confidentiality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing IBM SDK Java Technology Edition in production environments. The potential for information exposure includes access to sensitive files, configuration data, and system resources that could lead to further exploitation or data breaches. Memory consumption attacks can result in system performance degradation or complete service disruption, particularly when combined with other attack techniques that amplify resource usage. The vulnerability affects multiple IBM products including IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition versions that incorporate affected XML processing libraries, making it a widespread concern across various enterprise deployments.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including disabling external entity resolution in XML parsers, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, and restricting network access to systems processing XML data. Organizations should also consider applying IBM security patches and updates as released, while monitoring network traffic for suspicious XML processing activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories, and T1499 which addresses network denial of service attacks, making it a multi-faceted threat requiring comprehensive defensive measures. Additionally, implementing XML security controls such as using secure XML parsers that disable external entity resolution by default and establishing robust monitoring protocols can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of this vulnerability.