CVE-2018-17151 in Cache
Summary
by MITRE
Intersystems Cache 2017.2.2.865.0 has Incorrect Access Control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2023
Intersystems Cache version 2017.2.2.865.0 contains a critical access control vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain elevated privileges within the system. This flaw exists in the application's permission handling and authorization framework, where proper access controls are not consistently enforced across all system components. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user credentials and insufficient privilege separation between different system roles, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their access level without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this access control flaw manifests through improper validation of session tokens and user permissions within the Cache database management system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating authentication flows or leveraging existing user sessions to perform actions beyond their intended authorization scope. This typically occurs when the system fails to properly verify that a user possesses the necessary permissions before executing sensitive operations, allowing for privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire database environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core system functionality rather than isolated components, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17151 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete data breaches, system corruption, and unauthorized modification of critical business processes. Organizations using Intersystems Cache in production environments face significant risk of data exposure, especially when the system handles sensitive information such as financial records, personal data, or proprietary business intelligence. The vulnerability can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors, making it particularly dangerous for environments where insider threats are a concern. Additionally, the impact includes potential disruption of business operations through data manipulation or deletion, which can result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Intersystems, alongside comprehensive access control reviews and privilege management adjustments. Organizations should conduct thorough audits of existing user permissions and implement the principle of least privilege across all system accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts and suspicious activities within the Cache environment. Security professionals should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar access control weaknesses in other system components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1484 for elevation of privileges, demonstrating the multi-layered nature of the threat posed by such access control flaws.