CVE-2017-1383 in InfoSphere Information Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM InfoSphere Information Server 9.1, 11.3, and 11.5 is vulnerable to a XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when processing XML data. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to expose sensitive information or consume memory resources. IBM X-Force ID: 127155.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
IBM InfoSphere Information Server versions 9.1, 11.3, and 11.5 contain a critical XML External Entity Injection vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate XML processing workflows. This vulnerability falls under CWE-611, which specifically addresses XML external entity injection flaws in applications that process XML data. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize XML input before processing, enabling malicious actors to craft specially formatted XML documents that reference external entities. When these entities are resolved, they can trigger unintended behavior within the application's XML parser, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service conditions.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities through the XML processing pipeline. An attacker can construct XML payloads that reference external resources, either local files or network endpoints, allowing them to extract sensitive data from the server's file system or internal network resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to perform server-side request forgery attacks, where the application makes HTTP requests to internal systems that would normally be inaccessible from the outside. Additionally, attackers can consume excessive memory resources through recursive entity references, leading to denial of service conditions that can disrupt legitimate business operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the information server's data processing architecture. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and service disruption. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of InfoSphere Information Server, which is designed for enterprise data integration and management, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to access sensitive corporate information. When exploited, this vulnerability can provide attackers with access to database credentials, configuration files, and other sensitive system information that could be used for further exploitation within the enterprise network.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of IBM InfoSphere Information Server, implementing proper XML input validation, and configuring XML parsers to disable external entity resolution. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which focuses on data from information repositories, and emphasizes the importance of input validation and secure coding practices. Additional protective measures include network segmentation, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of XML processing components. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous XML processing patterns and potential exploitation attempts, as these vulnerabilities often leave detectable traces in system logs and network traffic.