CVE-2017-1723 in Security QRadar SIEM
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security QRadar SIEM 7.2 and 7.3 could allow a remote attacker to traverse directories on the system. An attacker could send a specially-crafted URL request containing "dot dot" sequences (/../) to view arbitrary files on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 134812.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
This vulnerability resides in IBM Security QRadar SIEM version 7.2 and 7.3, representing a classic directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web application's handling of URL requests, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied paths that contain directory navigation sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that include dot-dot-slash sequences, allowing them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the common pattern of path traversal attacks where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that are used to construct file paths. When the system processes a URL containing sequences like /../ or ..\, it does not adequately filter or normalize these inputs before using them to access system files. This allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive configuration files, log files, or other system resources that contain confidential information. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from any remote location with network access to the QRadar instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access database files containing user credentials, system configuration information, and sensitive log data that would normally be protected by access controls. The exposure of such information could enable further attacks including privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or the extraction of confidential data. Additionally, the ability to read arbitrary files may reveal system internals, application source code, or configuration details that could be used to identify additional vulnerabilities or attack targets within the broader environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the QRadar web application to prevent the processing of directory traversal sequences. Organizations should apply the official IBM security patches released for versions 7.2 and 7.3, which typically include modifications to how the application processes URL parameters and file path construction. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the QRadar system to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically block or normalize directory traversal sequences can provide defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes discovering file and directory permissions, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may use the gained access to execute further malicious activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's attack surface.