CVE-2017-1545 in Doors Web Access
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Doors Web Access 9.5 and 9.6 could allow an attacker with physical access to the system to log into the application using previously stored credentials. IBM X-Force ID: 130914.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
This vulnerability exists in IBM Doors Web Access versions 9.5 and 9.6 where the application fails to properly handle authentication credentials when physical access to the system is gained by an attacker. The flaw stems from the application's insecure credential storage mechanism that retains authentication tokens or passwords in a manner that persists across system sessions and potentially allows unauthorized access. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates security principles of credential protection and access control. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-522 - Insufficiently Protected Credentials, which specifically addresses the inadequate protection of authentication information. When an attacker gains physical access to a system running this vulnerable software, they can exploit this weakness to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to the application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because physical access typically implies that an attacker has direct control over the hardware, potentially allowing them to manipulate system components or access local storage where credentials might be cached or stored in plain text. The operational impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as this vulnerability can lead to data compromise, system integrity violations, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, access sensitive information, or establish persistent access points within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where unauthorized personnel might gain access to systems through legitimate means such as maintenance activities or administrative access. This flaw demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper credential handling, as the application should not retain authentication information in a manner that could be exploited by someone with physical access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables unauthorized access through compromised credentials and could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain. The IBM X-Force ID 130914 further validates the severity and nature of this vulnerability, indicating that IBM recognized the critical risk posed by this credential storage weakness. Organizations using IBM Doors Web Access should immediately implement mitigations including disabling local credential caching, implementing strong physical security controls, and ensuring proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized physical access to systems. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar credential storage vulnerabilities across the enterprise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure credential management practices and proper implementation of authentication mechanisms that do not rely on potentially compromised local storage. This weakness could also enable attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks or maintain access to systems even after initial compromise, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this application for their operational infrastructure.