CVE-2017-13987 in ArcSight ESM
Summary
by MITRE
An insufficient access control vulnerability in ArcSight ESM and ArcSight ESM Express, any 6.x version prior to 6.9.1c Patch 4 or 6.11.0 Patch 1, allows an unauthorized user to download log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13987 represents a critical access control flaw within the ArcSight Enterprise Security Manager (ESM) and ArcSight ESM Express platforms. This weakness affects all versions in the 6.x series prior to the release of 6.9.1c Patch 4 or 6.11.0 Patch 1, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these security information and event management solutions. The flaw specifically resides in the authorization mechanisms that govern file access within the system, allowing malicious actors with minimal privileges to bypass normal access controls and obtain sensitive log data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions when processing file download requests within the ArcSight ESM environment. When users attempt to access log files through the web interface or API endpoints, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses sufficient privileges to access the requested resource. This insufficient access control design flaw enables an unauthorized user to exploit the system by crafting specific requests that circumvent normal authentication and authorization checks, ultimately gaining access to log files that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as log files typically contain sensitive information including user activities, system events, security incidents, and potentially confidential business data. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to comprehensive audit trails, security event records, and operational logs that provide deep insights into network activities and system behaviors. This information could be leveraged for further attacks, including reconnaissance activities, privilege escalation attempts, or to identify additional vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. The exposure of such data violates fundamental security principles of data confidentiality and access control.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended patches provided by Micro Focus, which addresses the access control validation issue in the ArcSight ESM platform. The remediation process requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the patch deployment does not disrupt existing security operations or cause unintended service interruptions. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their ArcSight environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patch implementation. Additionally, organizations should review their overall access control policies and implement additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous access patterns that could indicate unauthorized attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses insufficient access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates how inadequate privilege validation can create security holes that allow unauthorized access to sensitive resources. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources. The ease with which an attacker can exploit this weakness without requiring sophisticated tools or extensive knowledge of the system makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where log data is often considered sensitive and protected information.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to compliance requirements, as many regulatory frameworks mandate strict controls over access to log data and security event information. Organizations in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, or government sectors may find themselves in violation of compliance standards if log files containing sensitive information are exposed through this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification that all affected systems have been properly patched and that appropriate access controls are maintained. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect any attempts to access log files through unauthorized means, and regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar access control weaknesses are not present in other components of the security infrastructure.