CVE-2017-1333 in OpenPages GRC Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM OpenPages GRC Platform 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 could allow an unauthenticated user to obtain sensive information about the server that could be used in future attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 126241.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1333 affects IBM OpenPages GRC Platform versions 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the platform's security posture. This issue enables unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive server information without requiring any credentials or prior authorization, creating a significant risk vector for potential attackers seeking to understand the target environment. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the platform's architecture, specifically in how it handles certain API endpoints and administrative interfaces that should remain protected from public access.
The technical flaw manifests through the platform's failure to adequately validate access requests to sensitive system information endpoints. When unauthenticated users attempt to access specific URLs or API calls within the OpenPages platform, the system inadvertently reveals server metadata, configuration details, and potentially sensitive operational information. This information disclosure can include system version details, underlying technology stack information, directory structures, and other data that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws, and represents a classic example of how insufficient access controls can lead to unauthorized information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks against the affected systems. The leaked information can be used to identify specific platform versions, which may reveal known vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that could be exploited in subsequent attack phases. This reconnaissance capability significantly reduces the effort required for attackers to develop targeted exploits, as they now have detailed information about the target environment without needing to perform extensive reconnaissance. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for credential stuffing attacks, where leaked information might be used to identify valid user accounts or system configurations that could be targeted with brute force or other attack methods.
Organizations running affected versions of IBM OpenPages GRC Platform face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as it creates an entry point for attackers to gather intelligence before launching more serious attacks. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any user with network access to the platform can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the platform is exposed to external networks. Security teams must consider the potential for this information to be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors, as the disclosed information could enable attackers to craft more effective social engineering campaigns or targeted attacks against system administrators. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of sensitive systems.
IBM has addressed this vulnerability through security patches and updates to the affected platform versions, emphasizing the need for organizations to maintain current security updates and apply patches promptly. The remediation process typically involves updating to patched versions of the OpenPages platform or implementing network-level controls to restrict access to sensitive endpoints. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the GRC platform from public networks and ensure that only authorized users have access to administrative interfaces. Additionally, regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts should be implemented to detect potential exploitation of this or similar vulnerabilities. This case demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the potential consequences of failing to address information disclosure vulnerabilities in enterprise platforms.