CVE-2017-16630 in SapphireIMS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2021
In SapphireIMS 4097_1, a guest user can create a local administrator account on any system that has SapphireIMS installed, because of an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) in the local user creation function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16630 represents a critical security flaw in SapphireIMS version 4097_1 that fundamentally undermines the system's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from an insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows unauthenticated guest users to escalate their privileges and create local administrator accounts on systems where SapphireIMS is deployed. The flaw exists within the local user creation function, which fails to properly validate user permissions and object access controls, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern where the application directly references internal objects without proper authorization checks. When a guest user attempts to create a local administrator account, the system does not verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform such an operation. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization procedures, effectively granting them full administrative control over the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application logic level where object references are manipulated directly, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring legitimate credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for organizations using SapphireIMS, as it allows attackers to establish persistent administrative access to systems without detection. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete control over the affected system, including the ability to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially escalate their access to other systems within the network. The implications extend beyond individual system compromise, as administrative accounts often provide lateral movement capabilities and can serve as footholds for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines fundamental security boundaries.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-639 which specifically addresses insecure direct object references and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1548 for abuse of privilege. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the software to version 4097_2 or later, implementing proper access controls and authentication checks, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all user creation functions. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation, monitoring for unauthorized administrative account creation, and implementing role-based access controls that prevent guest users from accessing administrative functions. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in application design, particularly when dealing with privilege escalation functions.