CVE-2017-1355 in Atlas eDiscovery Process Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Atlas eDiscovery Process Management 6.0.3 stores sensitive information in URL parameters. This may lead to information disclosure if unauthorized parties have access to the URLs via server logs, referrer header or browser history. IBM X-Force ID: 126682.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1355 affects IBM Atlas eDiscovery Process Management version 6.0.3, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that stems from improper handling of sensitive data within web application parameters. This flaw manifests when the system incorporates confidential information directly into Uniform Resource Locator structures, creating persistent exposure points that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper data handling within web interfaces, creating pathways for unauthorized access to sensitive eDiscovery data that organizations typically protect with strict access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where the system fails to properly sanitize or encrypt sensitive information before embedding it within URL parameters. When users navigate through the eDiscovery process management interface, the system constructs URLs that contain authentication tokens, case identifiers, document references, or other proprietary data elements that should remain confidential. These parameters are transmitted through standard web protocols without adequate protection mechanisms, making them visible to various system components that log or cache URL information. The flaw essentially creates a situation where sensitive operational data becomes publicly accessible through simple URL inspection, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls that should protect such information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise entire eDiscovery workflows and sensitive litigation data. When unauthorized parties gain access to these URLs through server log files, browser history caches, or referrer header information, they can reconstruct complete eDiscovery cases, access privileged documents, and potentially interfere with ongoing legal proceedings. This exposure creates significant risks for organizations handling sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or personal information during legal disputes, as the vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor access mechanism that bypasses standard security controls. The implications are particularly severe in regulated environments where data protection compliance requirements mandate strict control over sensitive information access and disclosure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including URL parameter sanitization, session token rotation, and comprehensive logging controls to prevent sensitive data exposure. The remediation approach should focus on eliminating direct data embedding within URLs and instead utilize secure session management protocols that maintain data confidentiality. Security controls should include implementing proper input validation, employing encryption for sensitive data elements, and configuring web servers to minimize URL logging exposure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and information gathering techniques. Organizations must also consider implementing web application firewalls and access controls to prevent unauthorized URL access, while conducting thorough security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.