CVE-2017-1440 in Emptoris Services Procurement
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Emptoris Services Procurement 10.0.0.5 could allow a remote attacker to include arbitrary files. A remote attacker could send a specially-crafted URL to specify a malicious file from a remote system, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable Web server. IBM X-Force ID: 128105.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1440 affects IBM Emptoris Services Procurement version 10.0.0.5, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file inclusion attacks, where an attacker can manipulate URL parameters to reference and execute arbitrary files from remote systems. The flaw exists in the web application's file processing logic, which fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it to determine file paths or URLs for retrieval and execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's web interface, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal security controls. When the application processes these crafted URLs, it attempts to retrieve and execute files from remote servers without proper authorization checks or path validation. This creates a pathway for remote attackers to upload and execute malicious code on the vulnerable web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges as it operates through standard web protocols and does not require authentication to the application itself.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing IBM Emptoris Services Procurement, as successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive procurement data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely without requiring direct access to the target system, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation. Organizations may experience data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched, as the compromised systems could be used to establish persistent access or facilitate further attacks against other network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1440 should prioritize immediate patch application from IBM, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the affected application, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block malicious URL patterns, and conduct thorough network segmentation to contain potential compromise. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation controls, disabling unnecessary file inclusion features, and monitoring web server logs for suspicious file access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code) categories, while the attack methodology corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) tactics. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.