CVE-2017-1515 in Doors Web Access
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Doors Web Access 9.5 and 9.6 could allow an authenticated user to obtain sensitive information from HTTP internal server error responses. IBM X-Force ID: 129825.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
This vulnerability resides in IBM Doors Web Access versions 9.5 and 9.6, where authenticated users can exploit a flaw in the application's error handling mechanisms to extract sensitive information from HTTP internal server error responses. The issue stems from the application's insufficient sanitization of error messages that are returned to users when server-side processing fails. When an authenticated user triggers an internal server error condition, the application inadvertently exposes system details, potentially including file paths, database information, or other internal system components within the error response. This represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of internal implementation details through error messages. The vulnerability allows for a form of reconnaissance where attackers can gather intelligence about the underlying system architecture, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks against the application or its infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated session, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers with valid credentials can systematically trigger error conditions within the application to harvest information that would normally be hidden from external observers. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploiting weaknesses in application software to gain information about the system. The flaw essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing legitimate users to access information that should remain restricted to system administrators or developers. The error responses may contain stack traces, database connection strings, or other implementation details that can be leveraged to understand the application's internal structure and potentially identify additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can significantly aid in the planning of more advanced attacks. When an attacker can gather detailed information about the internal workings of the application, they gain a substantial advantage in crafting targeted exploits or identifying other system weaknesses. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data that should remain protected within the system boundaries. Organizations using IBM Doors Web Access in production environments may face compliance issues if sensitive information is exposed through these error responses, particularly in regulated industries where data protection is paramount. The vulnerability also impacts system integrity by potentially exposing implementation details that could be used to bypass security controls or understand the application's defensive mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on comprehensive error handling improvements within the application. Organizations should implement proper error message sanitization that prevents the exposure of internal system details, regardless of the user's authentication status. The application should return generic error messages to users while logging detailed technical information internally for administrative purposes. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that error responses are consistent and do not leak system information. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and robust exception handling can prevent the conditions that lead to internal server errors in the first place. Regular security testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application's error handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or security monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting these types of information disclosure vulnerabilities. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other industry standards that emphasize the importance of proper error handling and information protection in web applications.