CVE-2017-1499 in Maximo Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Maximo Asset Management 7.5 and 7.6 could allow a remote attacker to include arbitrary files, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable Web server. IBM X-Force ID: 129106.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1499 affects IBM Maximo Asset Management versions 7.5 and 7.6, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through arbitrary file inclusion attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web server component of the Maximo platform, specifically in how the application handles file inclusion requests. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to manipulate file inclusion parameters, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code on the target server with the privileges of the web application user.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Maximo web application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include arbitrary file paths or URLs in parameters that are processed by the application's file inclusion functions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-434, which covers unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, as the attacker can potentially upload and execute malicious files through the compromised file inclusion mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected Maximo versions. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the web server hosting the Maximo application, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the Maximo application itself but also the underlying operating system and any databases or services that the application may access. Organizations using this software are at risk of data breaches, system hijacking, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as the compromised web server could serve as a launch point for further attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates released for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the Maximo web application, limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization should be enhanced at the application level, implementing strict parameter validation and ensuring that all file inclusion operations are properly secured. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web application with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper access controls. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion activities and anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute commands on the compromised system. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability.