CVE-2018-1505 in i2 Enterprise Insight Analysis
Summary
by MITRE
IBM i2 Enterprise Insight Analysis 2.1.7 allows web pages to be stored locally which can be read by another user on the system. IBM X-Force ID: 141413.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1505 affects IBM i2 Enterprise Insight Analysis version 2.1.7, a sophisticated analytics platform used for intelligence and investigation purposes. This security flaw represents a critical data exposure issue that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the application's local storage mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls within the web application's file handling capabilities, where web content is stored locally on the system without adequate user isolation measures. This weakness creates a privilege escalation scenario where one authenticated user can potentially access or read files that should be restricted to other users within the same system environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to enforce proper file system permissions and access controls when storing web content locally. When users interact with the web interface, the application creates local storage entries that are not properly secured against cross-user access attempts. This flaw operates at the file system level, where temporary files, cached content, or user-specific web resources are stored without appropriate access control lists or permission settings. The vulnerability is classified as a local file inclusion or information disclosure issue, with potential implications for data confidentiality and system integrity. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and potentially CWE-200, which covers exposure of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage, as it can compromise the entire investigative workflow within the i2 Enterprise Insight Analysis environment. In intelligence and law enforcement contexts, where sensitive information is routinely processed, unauthorized access to stored web content could expose classified investigations, operational details, or personal data belonging to other users. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk where compromised user sessions could lead to information disclosure across multiple user accounts, undermining the application's security model and potentially enabling further attacks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gather intelligence about other users' activities, access restricted reports, or extract sensitive analytical content that should remain confidential within the system.
Organizations using IBM i2 Enterprise Insight Analysis should immediately implement mitigations including proper file system permission adjustments, enhanced access control mechanisms, and regular security audits of local storage directories. The recommended approach involves configuring appropriate file system permissions that prevent cross-user access to local web content storage areas, implementing proper session management controls, and establishing monitoring procedures for unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider applying the vendor-provided security patches or workarounds as soon as they become available, while also reviewing the application's local storage configurations to ensure that user-specific content is properly isolated. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper access controls in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive information, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through improper file permissions.