CVE-2018-1833 in Event Streams
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Event Streams 2018.3.0 could allow a remote attacker to submit an API request with a fake Host request header. An attacker, who has already gained authorised access via the CLI, could exploit this vulnerability to spoof the request header. IBM X-Force ID: 150507.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
IBM Event Streams version 2018.3.0 contains a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate HTTP Host request headers through API requests. This flaw specifically affects systems where an attacker has already established authorized access via the command line interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the Host header in API request processing, enabling malicious actors to forge this critical HTTP header field. The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-614, which addresses insecure HTTP headers that can be manipulated by attackers to bypass security controls. The attack vector requires an initial compromise through CLI access, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability that leverages existing authenticated sessions to perform unauthorized actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to potentially bypass authentication mechanisms and access restricted resources within the IBM Event Streams environment. When an attacker spoofs the Host header, they can manipulate how the system routes requests and processes API calls, potentially gaining access to data or functionality that should be restricted to legitimate users. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering or compromised accounts, and T1071, which covers application layer protocol usage. The system's inability to properly validate the Host header creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized operations while maintaining the appearance of legitimate requests.
Organizations using IBM Event Streams 2018.3.0 should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced HTTP header validation, implementing strict Host header checking mechanisms, and monitoring for anomalous request patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of compromised CLI credentials. The recommended solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing additional layers of security such as API gateways with proper header validation. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the infrastructure, particularly focusing on HTTP header validation controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both external attacks and compromised internal credentials through proper input validation and request verification mechanisms.