CVE-2017-1349 in Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition 5.2 stores potentially sensitive information from HTTP sessions that could be read by a local user. IBM X-Force ID: 126525.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1349 affects IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Standard Edition version 5.2, representing a critical information exposure flaw that compromises the confidentiality of sensitive data. This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of HTTP session information within the application's memory management processes, creating persistent storage of potentially sensitive data that remains accessible to local users with system-level privileges. The flaw specifically impacts the session management mechanisms that are designed to maintain state information between client requests and server responses, but fails to adequately protect this data from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory sanitization practices during HTTP session handling operations. When the application processes business-to-business transactions, it maintains session state information that includes authentication tokens, user credentials, and other sensitive operational data. This information is stored in memory locations that are not properly secured or cleared after session termination, allowing local user processes to potentially access these memory segments through various exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in system security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and lateral movement within affected environments. Local users with access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to extract session data that may contain authentication credentials, business transaction details, or other confidential information that could be used for malicious purposes. Attackers could potentially use this information to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted business processes, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the integrated business ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the Information Gathering tactic, specifically targeting the Credential Access and Defense Evasion sub-techniques, as it enables adversaries to discover and exploit sensitive data stored in memory.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper memory management practices and access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to sensitive session information. Organizations should ensure that all HTTP session data is properly cleared from memory upon session termination and that appropriate access controls are enforced to restrict local user privileges. The recommended approach includes applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing memory sanitization routines, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential memory exposure vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory access patterns and establish strict privilege management policies that limit local user access to critical system resources. The vulnerability's resolution typically involves updating to a patched version of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator that properly addresses the session data handling mechanisms and ensures that sensitive information is not persistently stored in accessible memory locations.