CVE-2018-1398 in Sterling File Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sterling File Gateway 2.2.0 through 2.2.6 could allow a remote attacker to download certain files that could contain sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 138434.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1398 affects IBM Sterling File Gateway versions 2.2.0 through 2.2.6, representing a significant security flaw that could enable remote attackers to access sensitive data. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-22 by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the file gateway's file retrieval functionality.
The technical flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate user inputs during file download requests, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and access files outside of the intended directory structure. This occurs because the application does not adequately sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file access requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls, potentially leading to unauthorized access to confidential documents, configuration files, or other sensitive data stored within the system's file structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it could result in comprehensive information disclosure across the entire file repository. Organizations using affected IBM Sterling File Gateway versions face potential risks including intellectual property theft, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the system may be exposed to external threats. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to exfiltrate data through the file gateway infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, which would address the input validation shortcomings in the file access mechanisms. Additional defensive measures involve implementing robust access controls, deploying network segmentation to limit exposure, and conducting thorough input validation on all user-supplied data. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and regular security assessments to identify similar issues in file handling components. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten would help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future implementations.