CVE-2018-1345 in NetIQ iManager
Summary
by MITRE
NetIQ iManager, versions prior to 3.1, under some circumstances could be susceptible to an elevation of privilege attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1345 affects NetIQ iManager software versions prior to 3.1, representing a critical security flaw that could enable unauthorized elevation of privileges within affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient access control mechanisms within the iManager application, which is commonly used for managing enterprise identity and access control functions. The flaw exists in the application's authentication and authorization processes, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to escalate their privileges beyond their intended access levels.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability manifests when specific conditions are met within the iManager environment, allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in the privilege management system. The flaw likely involves improper validation of user permissions or inadequate session management controls that could be manipulated by authenticated users to gain elevated access rights. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software applications, particularly concerning privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including manipulation of session tokens, exploitation of weak authentication mechanisms, or by leveraging existing user privileges to access restricted system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within enterprise environments where NetIQ iManager is deployed for identity management and access control. Organizations utilizing affected versions face substantial risks including unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, potential lateral movement within network infrastructures, and compromise of critical identity management functions. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized modification of user accounts, access policies, and system configurations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that iManager applications typically serve as central points for identity management, making successful exploitation a significant threat to overall enterprise security posture.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-1345 primarily involve immediate upgrade to NetIQ iManager version 3.1 or later, which includes patches addressing the privilege escalation vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access control reviews and ensure that users have only the minimum necessary privileges for their roles. Network segmentation and monitoring of iManager application traffic can help detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, making it essential for security teams to monitor for unauthorized privilege usage and maintain strict access control policies. Additional defensive measures should include regular security assessments of identity management systems and implementation of robust monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.