CVE-2018-1664 in DataPower Gateway Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM DataPower Gateway 7.1.0.0 - 7.1.0.23, 7.2.0.0 - 7.2.0.21, 7.5.0.0 - 7.5.0.16, 7.5.1.0 - 7.5.1.15, 7.5.2.0 - 7.5.2.15, and 7.6.0.0 - 7.6.0.8 as well as IBM DataPower Gateway CD 7.7.0.0 - 7.7.1.2 echoing of AMP management interface authorization headers exposes login credentials in browser cache. IBM X-Force ID: 144890.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1664 affects IBM DataPower Gateway versions across multiple release series including 7.1.0.0 through 7.1.0.23, 7.2.0.0 through 7.2.0.21, 7.5.0.0 through 7.5.0.16, 7.5.1.0 through 7.5.1.15, 7.5.2.0 through 7.5.2.15, and 7.6.0.0 through 7.6.0.8, along with the CD version 7.7.0.0 through 7.7.1.2. This security flaw resides within the AMP management interface of the DataPower Gateway, specifically in how it handles authorization headers during the echoing process. The vulnerability manifests when the system echoes management interface authorization headers back to the browser, inadvertently storing sensitive login credentials in the browser's cache mechanism. This exposure occurs during normal operational procedures when the system processes management requests through the AMP interface, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of authentication headers within the AMP management interface functionality. When users authenticate to the DataPower Gateway management console, the system processes authorization information through the AMP interface, which then echoes back certain header information to the browser client. This echoing process fails to properly sanitize or remove sensitive authentication tokens from the headers before they are cached by the browser. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-524, which specifically addresses Information Exposure Through Caching, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices regarding credential handling and cache management. The flaw allows for the persistence of authentication tokens in browser cache storage, creating a significant exposure point that can be exploited through various attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating a substantial risk profile for organizations utilizing IBM DataPower Gateway systems. Once credentials are cached in the browser, they become accessible to any user with access to the same browser session or device, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain administrative access to the DataPower Gateway management interface. This exposure can lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to modify configurations, deploy malicious policies, or access sensitive data processed through the gateway. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple administrators share the same browser sessions or where the same device is used across different security contexts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and T1566, related to credential access through network sniffing or cache exploitation. The impact is further amplified by the fact that these credentials can be used to access other systems that rely on the same authentication infrastructure or trust relationships established through the DataPower Gateway.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest supported versions of IBM DataPower Gateway where the issue has been resolved. The fix typically involves modifying the AMP management interface to prevent echoing of authorization headers containing sensitive credentials to the browser client. System administrators should also implement browser-level security measures such as configuring browsers to disable caching of authentication-related content and ensuring that users clear their browser caches regularly. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level protections including firewalls that restrict access to the AMP management interface to trusted IP addresses only, and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive authentication information, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure session management and credential handling practices in enterprise gateway solutions.