CVE-2017-1478 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager Appliance 9.0.0 allows web pages to be stored locally which can be read by another user on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 128613.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1478 affects IBM Security Access Manager Appliance version 9.0.0, representing a critical security flaw in the web application's session management and data persistence mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of locally stored web pages within the appliance's architecture, creating a cross-user data exposure scenario that fundamentally undermines the system's security posture and user isolation principles.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the appliance's local storage mechanism where web pages are persistently cached or stored on the system's filesystem without adequate access controls or user context separation. When web pages are stored locally, they can be accessed by any user account on the system, effectively creating a privilege escalation vector that allows unauthorized data reading across user boundaries. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices regarding file system permissions and user isolation. The flaw is particularly concerning as it directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and mandatory access controls that should prevent cross-user data leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with access to the appliance. An attacker who gains access to one user account could potentially read sensitive data belonging to other users, including session information, configuration details, and potentially confidential business data. This vulnerability enables passive reconnaissance and data harvesting activities that could lead to further exploitation opportunities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with the same security appliance. The issue affects the appliance's ability to maintain proper user confidentiality and system integrity, potentially leading to compliance violations and data breaches that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper file system access controls and user context isolation mechanisms within the appliance's local storage handling. Organizations should ensure that all locally stored web pages are properly secured with appropriate file permissions that restrict access to the specific user or process that created them. System administrators should implement regular security audits to verify that local storage mechanisms are properly configured and that no cross-user data leakage occurs. Additionally, the appliance should be updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper access control implementation and enhanced session management protocols. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening the overall security configuration of the appliance to prevent similar issues in other components. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those defined in CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through local system exploitation.