CVE-2017-1487 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2 could allow an authenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information such as login ids on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 128626.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1487 affects IBM Sterling File Gateway version 2.2, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the system's security posture. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanisms within the file gateway system, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The issue stems from insufficient access controls and improper privilege management during authentication processes, allowing authenticated users to exploit weaknesses in the system's information retrieval mechanisms. Security researchers have documented this vulnerability through IBM's X-Force ID 128626, highlighting its potential for significant impact on enterprise file transfer environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of weak authentication session handling and insufficient input validation within the Sterling File Gateway's user interface and backend services. An authenticated attacker with legitimate credentials can leverage this flaw to access information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability essentially allows for privilege escalation or information disclosure by enabling users to retrieve login identifiers and other sensitive data that should be protected from unauthorized access. This type of flaw typically manifests through improper access control checks that fail to validate whether authenticated users have appropriate permissions to access specific system information. The underlying technical mechanism often involves insufficient sanitization of user inputs or inadequate validation of session tokens during information retrieval operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1487 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the system infrastructure. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to map out user access patterns, identify system administrators, and potentially compromise additional accounts through credential reuse attacks. Organizations utilizing IBM Sterling File Gateway may face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and violations of data protection regulations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where file gateway systems handle sensitive business data and require strict access controls. This flaw directly violates principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the CWE database under categories related to improper access control and information exposure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by IBM, reviewing and strengthening authentication mechanisms, and implementing additional monitoring for suspicious access patterns. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege enforcement should be reinforced to limit potential damage from exploitation. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of authentication logs and access controls to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the use of legitimate credentials to access unauthorized information. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar weaknesses in related systems and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the broader enterprise environment.