CVE-2017-1352 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.5 and 7.6 could allow an authenicated user to inject commands into work orders that could be executed by another user that downloads the affected file. IBM X-Force ID: 126538.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
This vulnerability exists in IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.5 and 7.6 where authenticated users can inject malicious commands into work orders through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when work order data containing user-supplied content is processed and later downloaded by other users, creating a command injection vector that can be exploited across different user sessions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user inputs within the work order processing pipeline, allowing attackers to embed executable code that gets interpreted when other users access the affected files. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, where user-controllable data is improperly handled in system commands or scripts. The attack vector specifically targets the file download functionality within the Maximo environment, where work order documents are generated and distributed to multiple users. The technical implementation involves the manipulation of work order fields that are subsequently rendered into downloadable documents, creating a scenario where malicious payloads can be embedded and executed when other users process these files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables privilege escalation through command injection attacks that can execute arbitrary code on target systems with the privileges of the user who downloads the malicious file. An authenticated attacker can craft work orders containing malicious commands that, when processed and downloaded by other users, can execute system commands on the victim's machine. This creates a potential for lateral movement within the organization and can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Maximo environment by allowing unauthorized code execution, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive asset management data, modify work order records, or escalate privileges to administrative levels. The attack requires only authenticated access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate user credentials to perform malicious activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it allows for command execution and privilege escalation through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Maximo application to prevent malicious content from being embedded in work orders. Organizations should enforce strict content filtering for user inputs, particularly in fields that are rendered into downloadable documents or executed within system contexts. The recommended approach involves implementing secure coding practices that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing and storing it within the system. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing role-based access controls to limit the ability of users to create potentially malicious work orders, and regular security audits should be conducted to monitor for anomalous work order creation patterns. The vulnerability can be addressed through IBM's official security patches and updates that correct the input validation flaws in the work order processing functionality. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unusual file download patterns or command execution activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Implementation of Web Application Firewalls and content security policies can provide additional protection layers against such injection attacks. Regular security training for users on identifying and reporting suspicious work order activities can also serve as an important defensive measure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in enterprise asset management systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all user-facing interfaces within business applications.