CVE-2018-1878 in Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere 11 could disclose sensitive information in a web request that could aid in future attacks against the system. IBM X-Force ID: 151714.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1878 affects IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere version 11, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that could enable attackers to gather sensitive data through web requests. This weakness resides within the web application layer of the automation platform, potentially exposing confidential system information that could be leveraged for subsequent attack vectors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output filtering mechanisms within the web request processing components, allowing unauthorized access to system metadata and configuration details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of web requests where the application fails to adequately sanitize or restrict the information returned in response to maliciously crafted inputs. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted web requests that trigger the disclosure of sensitive information including system paths, version identifiers, internal configurations, and potentially authentication-related data. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure vulnerabilities. This weakness creates an information disclosure scenario where the system inadvertently reveals internal workings that should remain confidential to prevent attackers from gaining insights into the target environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as the leaked data can significantly aid in planning more sophisticated attacks against the compromised system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could use the disclosed information to map the system architecture, identify potential attack surfaces, and develop targeted exploitation strategies. The exposure of system internals enables adversaries to craft more effective social engineering campaigns, identify weak points in the security infrastructure, and potentially escalate privileges through subsequent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, where adversaries collect data about the target environment to inform their attack strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1878 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output filtering mechanisms within the web application layer. Organizations should deploy proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The implementation of web application firewalls and security headers can help prevent malicious requests from accessing sensitive data. Regular security updates and patches from IBM should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious web request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent configuration errors that might exacerbate the vulnerability's impact. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched environment to ensure that the information disclosure is completely resolved while maintaining system functionality.